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| Other topics: Heart Disease |
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Keywords
coronary angiography, angioplasty, angiogram, heart attack, bmbody; percutaneous transluminal; percutaneous coronary interventions; intracoronary stents; balloon angioplasty; primary angioplasty; cardiac catheterization
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Overview *
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An angiogram helps doctors look at the blood vessels of the heart, specifically to see if there is any plaque in the coronary arteries. The angiogram is performed by a catheter being inserted into the artery through the skin in the leg and threaded up to the coronary arteries. Dye is injected into the arteries and x-rays taken. If a blockage is found, the doctor may try to open it with a balloon. This is called an angioplasty. An angioplasty opens arteries that are too narrow for adequate blood flow. The balloon is attached at the end of the catheter and threaded up to the area of blockage. The balloon is then inflated to break up the plaque, thus widening the artery and allowing more blood to flow. A stainless steel mesh tube called a stent may be placed at the site of the blockage to keep it open.
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Multimedia
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This patient education program explains coronary angiography and possible angioplasty for patients who may need to decide whether to have the procedure. Included are the following sections: Anatomy, Symptoms & their Causes, Procedure, Risks & Complications.
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This button allows you to read and print an illustrated handout. |
This button starts a multimedia program with interactive questions. |
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This button starts an interactive quiz.
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This button plays a self-running presentation.
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Last reviewed: 8/11/2006 |
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