Horizon Prime Hospital - Thane

Coronary Artery Disease Killing One Woman Every Minute

In India, around 30 million people are suffering from coronary artery disease — a condition in which blood flow to the heart is reduced — and the country will soon have the highest number of cardiovascular disease cases in the world. Also, 27 per cent of deaths in India are caused by cardiovascular diseases.

The burden of coronary artery diseases in India is growing rapidly. The incidence of heart ailments in younger age groups 19-34 and 36-45 has increased significantly over last five year period. India is facing a serious challenge of cardiovascular defects like coronary artery disease and these trends indicate that coronary artery disease is affecting the young and productive population of India, which has implications for the social and economic development of the country

Coronary arteries are blood vessels that supply your heart muscles with oxygen and nutrients it needs to function. If fatty plaque builds up in your coronary arteries, they may become narrowed, causing less blood to reach your heart muscle. If your heart does not get enough blood, it can cause problems such as angina, heart failure or a heart attack.

Dr Hrushikesh Vaidya, Medical Director and Chairman, Horizon Group of Hospitals said “India tops the world in heart attacks among 35 plus men and cardiovascular diseases is going to be the largest cause of death and disability in India by the next decade. The average age of people with heart ailments is coming down and post the pandemic, these days we are getting patients as young as 25 years, who are coming to us with heart attacks. Youngsters are suffering from coronary artery disease, owing to their poor lifestyle, and if this continues the future looks even more dangerous. Coronary angiography is currently the gold standard imaging method used to diagnose obstructive coronary artery disease. Approximately around 4 million angiograms are performed each year in Europe and the United States. An increase in the incidence of coronary artery disease among the young population aged below 40 years (7% of all angioplasties done last year), is quite alarming for our country with a large young population,”

Dr Hrushikesh Vaidya further said “According to WHO, the Southeast Asia region is currently experiencing a “very high burden” of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Cardiovascular disease “(CVDs) are responsible for 3.9 million annual deaths, making up 30 percent of all deaths. “Alarmingly, almost half (48 percent) of these CVD-related deaths occurred prematurely, affecting individuals aged 30 to 70 years and imposing significant socioeconomic burdens on families, communities, and countries. The WHO report has identified “modifiable lifestyle factors” such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets especially high salt intake and lack of physical activity as the main causes of cardiovascular disease burden.”

Dr Ria Vaidya, CEO, Horizon Group of Hospitals said “Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death among women. It is the cause of death for one in three women every year, killing approximately one woman every minute. Majority of women suffering from CAD have one or more risk factors for CAD in their parents. Women are at higher risk for cardiac events with respect to traditional risk factors including dyslipidaemia, hypertension, diabetes, and smoking. Menopause, pregnancy complications, inflammation, anaemia, migraines, and depression are important sex-specific novel risk factors for CVD, and it is important that clinicians should be aware of these risks to design strategies for prevention. Education, self-awareness in women, and timely recognition of CAD in women with lifestyle modifications and timely intervention result in better outcomes.”

What is a coronary angiogram?

A coronary angiogram is a procedure where a doctor injects a special dye into the coronary arteries of your heart. They will then take a series of x-rays showing the flow of dye through your heart. Your doctor will check if there is any narrowing of blood flow or blockages in your coronary arteries. Apart from diseased coronary arteries, an angiogram can also diagnose a range of heart problems including aneurysm (abnormal ballooning of the heart wall), heart arrhythmias (irregular heart beat) or birth defects, such as a hole in the heart.

Coronary angiogram is also known as cardiac catheterisation or coronary angiography. The test is done in a special laboratory called a cardiac catheterisation laboratory (Cath lab), which is similar to an operating theatre.

A slender catheter (a thin, hollow plastic tube) is threaded through the largest artery in your body (the aorta) via the wrist or the groin artery until it reaches the coronary arteries of the heart. A special x-ray sensitive dye (contrast) is injected and dynamic x-rays are taken of the blood vessels as the contrast moves through them.

Why Angiogram Is Done?

The need for an angiogram arises when there are indications of damaged, blocked, or abnormal blood vessels. This test facilitates healthcare providers in ascertaining the root cause of the vascular problem and understanding the extent of damage to the vessels.

Some common reasons why an angiogram is done include diagnosing or planning treatment for:

• Coronary artery disease.
• Peripheral artery disease.
• Atherosclerosis.
• Blood clots.
• Aneurysm
• Bleeding vessels
• Arteriovenous malformations

Is Angiography Painful?

A common concern among many is the level of discomfort or pain associated with the angiogram. Fortunately, while the procedure involves needle insertion for the anaesthetic, most patients report minimal discomfort thereafter. The administration of anaesthetic ensures the rest of the process is as painless as possible. Some patients might experience a warm sensation or a feeling akin to needing to urinate when the contrast dye is introduced, but this sensation is transient.

Process To Follow Before Angiogram Procedure

Before the procedure, you need to discuss a range of issues with your doctor including:

• your medical history, including whether or not you have asthma, allergies or kidney disease
• if you have experienced allergic reactions to any drugs
• any current medications you are taking. You may need to discontinue certain medications before the test, such as medications that thin the blood
• fasting – you need to fast four to six hours prior to your test
• other tests – you may undergo various tests before the angiogram, including blood tests, an electrocardiogram and chest x-ray and cardiac CT (computed tomography).

How is a coronary angiogram performed?

A coronary angiogram is performed by a doctor and generally involves the following process:

• You will be taken to an operating theatre or x-ray room and connected to a heart monitor while you have your test.
• A drip will be inserted into a vein in your arm to give you fluids if needed.
• Your doctor may give you a local anaestheticto your wrist or groin. You may also get a medicine to help you relax, as you will need to stay as still as possible.
• Your doctor will insert a long, thin tube called a catheter into an artery in your wrist or groin. The catheter is passed through the artery until it reaches close to your heart. The doctor will then inject a dye into the catheter. You may feel flushed or warm for a few minutes afterwards — this is normal.
• Your doctor will take x-rays as the dye moves through your heart. These can help identify any narrowing or blockages in your coronary arteries.
• If there is any narrowing or blockage, your doctor may choose to treat it immediately by inserting a stent (small expandable mesh tube) to keep the artery open. In most cases, your doctor will discuss this possibility before the procedure, so you can decide whether you would want a stent inserted if warranted by the angiogram findings.

What happens after the coronary angiogram?

Immediately after the angiogram, you can expect the following:

• Your blood pressure, pulse, breathing and wound site are regularly checked and recorded.
• You may be given intravenous fluids for a short time, although you will be encouraged to eat and drink as soon as you feel able.
• You may be allowed to sit up after four hours.
• You may be discharged to go home up to six hours post (after) recovery.
• If you are not already on a special diet, you will be encouraged to adopt a cholesterol-lowering diet.
• Initial results are given to you by the cardiologist who performed the procedure. You may have to make follow up appointment with a cardiologist to further discuss your treatment.

What are the possible complications or risks of a coronary angiogram?

When you are home, if the bleeding at your wound site can’t be stopped, or the wound site swells up very quickly, call the hospital immediately and ask for an ambulance.

Generally, angiograms are very safe. However, possible risks include:

• allergic reaction to the dye, causing itchiness, rash or breathing difficulties
• bruising or bleeding at your wound site
• pain
• heart attack
• blood clots, including stroke
• kidney damage

Contact your doctor immediately if you have:

• bleeding
• severe pain
• signs of infection, such as swelling or fever
• chest pain

How to Take Care At Home After A Coronary Angiogram?

Be guided by your doctor, but general suggestions include:

• Try to rest as much as you can.
• Avoid standing for more than a few minutes at a time.
• Avoid heavy lifting for at least a week after the procedure.
• See your doctor if you suspect infection. Symptoms include redness, heat, swelling or discharge from the wound site.
• Drink plenty of fluids eight hours after the procedure (unless told otherwise by your cardiologist) to help flush the contrast from your body.

The Final Takeaway

Currently, the angiogram is the most accurate diagnostic test for a range of heart problems, including coronary heart disease. Coronary Angiography is considered a safe, non-invasive procedure and is essential in detecting several heart problems. The heart doctors may recommend the procedure if you are experiencing symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, tiredness, heart palpitations, etc.

To Summarise

• During a coronary angiogram, a contrast dye is injected into your coronary arteries and then x-rays are taken to see if your heart’s arteries are narrow or blocked.
• Your doctor will recommend a coronary angiogram if they suspect problems with the blood flow in your heart.
• It is a common, safe and quick procedure with minimal risks and complications.

Horizon Prime Hospital is one of the best hospitals in Thane for angiogram test. The Department of Cardiology is equipped with The Next Generation image-guided therapy Cath Lab for outstanding interventional cardiac, electrophysiology, neuro and vascular performance for precise diagnostic results with delivering evidence based treatment. Our team of best cardiologists and interventional radiologists are having extensive experience in performing angiography procedure. Angiography, under the expert guidance of experienced and skilled surgeons has proven to be an indispensable diagnostic tool. By understanding what is an angiogram and the angiography process, patients can approach the procedure with confidence and clarity. Remember, knowledge is empowerment, especially when it comes to one’s health. So, if you or a loved one are considering this diagnostic test, trust in the expertise of professionals and the advancements in medical science to guide you through.

You will need to make another appointment with your doctor to discuss the results of your angiogram. Treatment depends on the diagnosis. Narrowed coronary arteries may possibly be treated during the angiogram by a technique known as angioplasty. A special catheter is threaded through the blood vessels and into the coronary arteries to remove the blockage. Another surgical option for severely narrowed coronary arteries is a bypass operation. This involves transplanting veins and arteries from other parts of your body to your heart.

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