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WHAT IS Coronary A
WHAT IS Coronary ATranscriptYour doctor has recommended that you have a procedure called coronaryangiography. It may also be called a cardiac or heart catheterization. To help youunderstand this procedure, we’ll begin by looking at the heart and how it works.The heart is a muscle that continuously pumps blood throughout the body. To do itsjob, the heart needs oxygen and nutrients. These are supplied by large blood vessels,called coronary arteries. The arteries and their branches wrap around the surface ofthe heart.Blood flows easily through a healthy artery. But, over time, fatty deposits called plaquecan build up in the artery wall. This narrowing of the artery is called atherosclerosis.The artery can become partially blocked, reducing the flow of blood to the heart.Reduced blood flow can cause chest discomfort, especially during physical activity,when your heart is beating harder and needs even more oxygen-rich blood. Thepressure or tightness you feel is called angina pectoris. It’s a warning sign that youmay be at risk for a heart attack.“Well, I got up in the morning and went outside to move the car out of the garage,and suddenly started to have what I thought was respiratory problem. It was veryhot weather. I came in and said to my wife, ‘I’m going to lay down on the bed fora minute.’ And she said, at that point, ‘Maybe I’d better take you to the doctor.’ Isaid, ‘No. I think you’d better call the ambulance.’”You can have problems related to atherosclerosis and not know it.“Well, in my case, I had to go in for some surgery on my hand so I had to havethe pre-op work done. And that included an EKG. And that showed up a littlesomething.”Coronary angiography is the best way for your doctor to find out if there are placeswhere an artery has narrowed in your heart, putting you at risk for heart problems.20% gradient meshDuring this procedure, a device called an introducer sheath will be inserted intoyour arm or leg. A, thin tube, called a catheter, is inserted through the introducersheath and is slowly guided to your heart.healthclipshealthclipsA contrast material, or dye, is injected into the artery. The dye reveals on an x-raywhere an artery has become narrowed, how much it has narrowed, and if there is anydamage to the heart.healthclipshealthclipsWith this information, your healthcare provider can decide what further treatment,ifany, you need.4% gradient meshThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, orsuitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.hc_ha_10204_98_en_t00002.pdf © Milner-Fenwick, Inc.healthclips5% gradient mesh
Heart & Vascular Center
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