A coronary angiography, or coronary angiogram, is an X-ray examination of the arteries that supply the heart with blood. Usually these arteries are not visible on an X-ray, but for a coronary angiography a special dye is injected into the vessels to make them appear on an X-ray, explains the American Heart Association. This test can involve complications and should only be administered to patients who require it. Knowing the proper indications for when this procedure should be performed helps doctors determine which patients should undergo a coronary angiography.
Chest Pain
Chest pain, or angina, is an indication for coronary angiography, states MayoClinic.com. Chest pain can be a symptom of coronary artery disease. The angiogram allows doctors to visualize the condition of the coronary artery. They can look for any damage, narrowing, or obstruction that may be present within the blood vessel. The chest pain is usually located below the sternum and can either be a sharp or crushing pain. Patients also notice that pain worsens upon exertion or strenuous physical activity. The diseased coronary arteries inadequately supplying the heart with blood can be a cause of the chest pain.
Heart Failure
Patients who are experiencing heart failure due to unexplained reasons may need to undergo a coronary angiography, according to MedlinePlus. Heart failure is characterized by the heart's inability to pump enough blood to the rest of the body. This can be caused by damage to the heart muscle, abnormalities of the heart valves or an infection of the heart. In some cases, heart failure can be due to coronary artery disease. Once the other causes of heart failure have been ruled out, a coronary angiography can be performed to establish coronary artery disease as the underlying cause behind the heart failure.
Pain in the Jaw, Neck or Arm
Unexplained pain the jaw, neck or arm can be an indication for a coronary angiography, according to MayoClinic.com. The pain can be a referred pain from the heart and coronary arteries. The pain actually originates from the heart itself, but is felt in the patient's jaw, neck or arm. The left jaw, neck and arm are usually the most common sites of pain referred from the heart. This pain can be a symptom of diseases within the coronary arteries.
Aortic Stenosis
Aortic stenosis is the abnormal narrowing of a special valve in the heart. Blood from the heart is pumped into the aorta, the main artery leaving the heart and providing blood to the rest body. In order to reach the aorta, the blood must pass through the aortic valve. If this valve does not open fully or becomes too narrow, then blood has a difficult time reaching the aorta. This narrowing of the valve is called aortic valve stenosis, or just aortic stenosis. Patients who are suspected of having aortic disease should undergo a coronary angiogram, states MedlinePlus. A coronary angiogram can help determine the severity of the stenosis and can guide physicians in the selection of the proper treatment option.
