Is coronary angiography very harmful to the body? Doctor There are three hazards, don't try these people
Coronary angiography enjoys a high reputation in the medical community as the "gold standard" for diagnosing heart diseases such as coronary heart disease. However, like any medical test, coronary angiography is not completely risk-free. In recent years, with the improvement of people's awareness of medical safety, more and more people have begun to pay attention to the physical harm that coronary angiography may bring. So, how much damage does a coronary angiography do to the body? Who should not try this test? This article will demystify coronary angiography for you.
1. The basic principles of coronary angiography
Before we can understand the harm that coronary angiography can cause, we first need to understand its fundamentals. Coronary angiography is a type of examination in which a special contrast agent is injected into the coronary arteries through X-ray imaging technology, so that the coronary arteries can be visualized on X-ray. By observing the developed coronary arteries, doctors can determine whether there are stenosis and occlusion lesions in the coronary arteries, so as to provide an important basis for the diagnosis and evaluation of heart diseases such as coronary heart disease.
2. Three possible harms of coronary angiography
Contrast allergy or kidney damage
The contrast agent used in coronary angiography is usually an iodine-containing substance, and a very small number of people may have an allergic reaction to the iodine contrast agent, manifested as itching, rash, dyspnea and other symptoms. Although the incidence of anaphylaxis is low, it is still a cause for concern. In addition, contrast agents may cause some damage to the kidneys, especially in patients whose kidney function is already impaired, and this damage may be more severe. Therefore, before performing a coronary angiography, the doctor will ask the patient a detailed history of allergies and kidney function to assess whether the patient is a good candidate for this test.
Complications at the puncture site
Coronary angiography usually involves a puncture through the radial or femoral arteries to pass a catheter into the coronary arteries. During the puncture, complications such as vascular injury, bleeding, and hematoma may occur. Although the incidence of these complications is not high and can be effectively controlled in most cases with methods such as compression hemostasis, they are still important for the patient's attention. After coronary angiography, the patient should closely observe the puncture site and inform the doctor if any abnormalities are found.
Radiation damage
Coronary angiography needs to be done under X-rays, so both the patient and the doctor are exposed to some level of X-ray radiation. While modern medical devices have taken a variety of measures to reduce the radiation dose, it is impossible to avoid radiation completely. Long-term, large levels of radiation exposure may increase the risk of cancer. However, for a single coronary angiogram, the radiation dose is relatively low and is generally not thought to cause significant radiation damage to patients and physicians. However, for safety reasons, sensitive groups such as pregnant women and children should avoid this test as much as possible.
3. Don't try coronary angiography for these people
Patients with severe renal insufficiency
As mentioned earlier, contrast agents can cause some damage to the kidneys. In patients with severe renal insufficiency, this damage may be more severe and may even lead to kidney failure. Therefore, coronary angiography should be avoided in these patients as much as possible. If it is really necessary to carry out examinations, corresponding protective measures should be taken under the guidance of a doctor, such as using hypotonic contrast agent and reducing the amount of contrast agent.
Those who are allergic to iodine contrast media
Although the incidence of allergic reactions to iodinated contrast is low, coronary angiography with iodinated contrast should be absolutely avoided in patients with known allergy to iodinated contrast. If you do need a test, you can try other types of contrast agents, such as carbon dioxide contrast agents, under the guidance of your doctor.
Pregnant and lactating women
Because coronary angiography involves X-ray radiation and the use of contrast agents, it can pose a potential risk to the fetus and baby. Therefore, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid this test as much as possible. If you do need a test, you should weigh the pros and cons under the guidance of your doctor before making a decision.
IV. Conclusion
As an important means of diagnosing coronary heart disease and other heart diseases, coronary angiography plays a pivotal role in clinical application. However, there are certain risks associated with any medical examination. For coronary angiography, although the possible harm is not great, it still needs to be paid attention to. Especially for those who are not suitable for coronary angiography, it is more important to choose an appropriate alternative examination method under the guidance of a doctor. Let us work together to protect human health!