Coronary Angiogram Singapore: How Long does it Take? A coronary angiogram is used to visualize the blood vessels that supply the heart. ...
Coronary Angiogram Singapore: How
Long does it Take?
A coronary
angiogram is used to visualize the blood vessels that supply the heart. It's
commonly performed to diagnose and assess the severity of heart conditions like
the coronary artery disease.
During the
procedure, a contrast dye is injected into your coronary arteries, and X-ray
images are taken to detect any blockages or abnormalities. The primary reason
why you may be recommended a coronary angiogram in
Singapore is to gather
detailed information about your heart's blood vessels.
The information
gathered from the coronary angiogram can help your doctor determine the best
treatment approach for you. This procedure can guide interventions like
angioplasty or coronary artery bypass surgery.
But, how long does
the procedure itself take, and how exactly do you prepare? Stay on this page to
find out;
What
should I do to Prepare for an Angiogram?
To begin with,
during an angiogram, you'll be given intravenous sedation to help you relax.
Your interventional radiologist will then proceed to clean the area where a
catheter will be inserted.
Usually, this area
is at the top of the leg or occasionally the upper arm. A local anesthetic will
then be applied to numb the area. After that, a catheter is inserted into the
artery and guided to the area being studied using an X-ray screen, similar to a
TV. You won’t feel the catheter moving through your arteries.
Once the catheter
is in place, contrast dye is injected through it. This dye makes the blood
vessels visible on the X-ray images. You might feel a brief warm sensation when
the dye is injected, but it's temporary.
Multiple
injections of contrast and X-ray images might be taken during the procedure.
Afterward, the catheter is removed, which is not painful. The area where the
catheter was inserted will be pressed for 10 to 20 minutes to prevent bleeding.
This whole process
may seem quite complex thus the frequently asked question; what should I do to
prepare for an angiogram? Here's a quick summary;
- Eating: Avoid solid food for 6 hours before
your procedure. You can have clear liquids, such as water or apple juice,
up to 2 hours prior. Note that orange juice and tea are not considered
clear liquids.
- Smoking: Smoking before an angiogram is
discouraged as it can constrict blood vessels, affect blood flow, and make it
harder for the catheter to move through your arteries. It also increases
the likelihood of complications like bleeding and poor healing and can
also impact how well your body responds to the procedure. What's more, the
effects of contrast dye might be altered in smokers due to changes in
blood vessel function and overall circulation.
- Medications: Continue taking your prescribed
medications unless advised otherwise. Diabetic patients on Glucophage,
Glucovance, or Avandamet should not take these for two days after the exam
and need a kidney function test before resuming. If you’re diabetic and on
insulin, ask your doctor for specific instructions. Inform your doctor if
you are on blood thinners like Coumadin, as you may need to stop taking
them.
- Allergies: Please inform your doctor about
allergies to contrast dye or iodine to prevent severe allergic reactions
during the procedure. A good provider will want to know about these
allergies in advance so they're best prepared to take necessary
precautions or choose alternative imaging methods to ensure your safety.
How long
does a Coronary Angiogram Take from Start to Finish?
People frequently
ask about the duration of a coronary angiogram to manage expectations, plan
their days, and understand the time commitment involved in the procedure and
recovery. If you're on the same boat, here is a simple answer;
The actual
angiogram procedure typically takes between 30 minutes to two hours from start
to finish. However, several factors contribute to the overall time commitment
for this procedure.
·
Procedure Time: The angiogram itself involves threading a catheter
through a blood vessel to the heart, injecting the contrast dye, and capturing
X-ray images. This process usually takes about 30 minutes to two hours,
depending on the complexity of the case and the number of images needed.
·
Pre-Procedure Time: Upon arrival at the hospital or clinic, you will go
through a preparation phase. This includes registration, initial health checks,
and possibly additional testing. This pre-procedure preparation can take about
1 to 2 hours.
·
Post-Procedure Time: After the angiogram, you'll be monitored in a recovery
area for 1 to 2 hours. This monitoring ensures there are no immediate
complications, such as bleeding or an adverse reaction to the contrast dye. The
medical team will check your vital signs and the insertion site during this
period.
Immediate recovery
after a coronary angiogram involves close monitoring by the healthcare team.
You may experience mild discomfort or bruising at the catheter insertion site.
In some cases, patients can go home the same day, but this depends on individual
circumstances and the healthcare provider's assessment.
Most patients are
discharged within a few hours of the procedure, provided there are no
complications. However, you will need someone to drive you home, as it's unsafe
to drive yourself due to the sedation or anesthesia used during the angiogram.
Once home, you'll
receive specific aftercare instructions, including activity restrictions and
how to care for the insertion site. Avoid strenuous activities and heavy
lifting for a few days to allow for proper healing. Follow your doctor's advice
on medication adjustments and schedule any necessary follow-up appointments.
Seek help if you
experience severe pain, bleeding, infection at the catheter site, or any
unusual symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath. These could
indicate complications that need prompt medical intervention. On the same note,
be sure to follow your doctor's recommendations for follow-up appointments to
ensure your heart health is closely monitored and managed appropriately.
Closing
Thoughts
A coronary
angiogram is a vital procedure for diagnosing and managing heart conditions.
While it isn't as complex as it may sound, always consult with your heart
doctor for personalized advice and to address any concerns you may have about
the procedure.
Wish to learn more
about CT coronary angiograms in Singapore? Drop us a line now to schedule an
appointment and also have all your questions answered. Call or visit us at;
Cadence Heart
Centre (Dr Devinder Singh) | Heart Screening, Heart Check Up
3 Mount Elizabeth,
Medical Centre,
14-13, Singapore
228510
https://cadenceheart.sg/
