Angiogram

Angiogram is an X-ray test which uses a contrast dye (iodine dye) and camera to identify the blockages, narrowing and other blood vessel problems. It is one of the most common tests performed to show the presence of any heart disease and also the degree of its severity.

During an angiogram, a thin tube called a catheter is placed into a blood vessel in the femoral artery or vein or in the brachial artery or vein. The catheter is guided to the area which is to be studied. An iodine dye is injected into the vessel for a clear visible blood vessel on the X-ray. This method is known as conventional or catheter angiogram. These X-rays can also be stored as pictures in the computer.

 

ECG

Electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that is commonly performed to check the electrical activity of the heart. An ECG shows the heart’s electrical activity by tracing lines on a paper. These tracings which have spikes and dips are called as waves.

An ECG is performed to find the cause of unexplained chest pain. This could be caused by a heart attack. It also helps in finding the cause for the symptoms of the heart disease. The symptoms include shortness of breath, dizziness, and palpitations. The other uses of ECG are to find out the thickness of the walls of the heart, to check if the medicines used to treat the heart are working properly and also to check the health condition of the heart when other diseases are present.

 

Angioplasty

Angioplasty is a surgical repair used to remove the fat or cholesterol clogged in the coronary artery of the heart. This procedure is also used to widen the narrowed blood vessels for easily flow of blood.

A thin plastic sheath is inserted into the artery, sometimes through the groin or through the arm and the catheter is passed through the sheath and guided up a blood vessel and then to the arteries surrounding the heart. A small amount of contrast dye is injected into the blood vessel through the catheter. The dye is used to get a clear picture of the blood vessel on the X-ray when the blood moves through the blood vessel.

 

Pacemakers

Pacemakers are used in patients with slow heart beat. The pacemakers emit electrical impulse when it detects the slow heart rate in a person. These electrical impulses trigger the heart to beat, helping it speed up and catch a more regular rhythm.

Pacemakers are implanted during a surgical procedure. The implantation is performed by a doctor who specializes in heart rhythm disorders. Anesthesia will be given at the site of the incision. Heart rate and blood pressure will be monitored throughout the surgery. The wires of the pacemaker are placed into your veins which will directly lead to the heart and the other end of the wires is attached to the generator. The surgery takes about 2-3 hours to complete.