Overview of the Condition

What is Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)?

• Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a condition where blood vessels supplying the heart become narrow due to fat and cholesterol buildup
• This reduces blood flow to the heart muscle
• It can cause symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath
• If the blockage becomes complete, it can lead to a heart attack

Why is it Important?

CAD is one of the leading causes of heart attacks and death worldwide. According to the WHO, cardiovascular diseases account for nearly 27% of deaths in India. Early diagnosis can:

• Prevent heart attacks
• Improve quality of life
• Help doctors decide the right treatment (medication, stent, or surgery)

Who is Commonly Affected?

• Older age
• Individuals with diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol
• Smokers
• People with a sedentary lifestyle or obesity

Risk Factors

• Age — risk increases as you get older
• Gender — men have higher risk; women's risk increases after menopause
• Family history of early heart disease
• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Lack of exercise
• Stress
• Unhealthy diet (high fat, salt, sugar)
• Excess alcohol
• Poor sleep

Common Symptoms

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue

Warning Signs

• Severe chest pain spreading to arm/jaw
• Sudden sweating or nausea
• Difficulty breathing

Treatment Options Before the Procedure

• Medications — help prevent blood clots and lower cholesterol
• Lifestyle changes — balanced diet, regular exercise, stopping smoking

Procedures

• Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) — opens blocked arteries narrowed by plaque
• Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) — surgery to bypass blocked arteries
• Angiography — procedure to see if heart arteries are blocked
• Zero contrast angiography — detects blockages with little or no dye, safer for kidney patients

Procedure Overview and Preparation

What is Angiography and Why is it Done?

• Angiography is a special X-ray test that shows if the heart's arteries are narrowed or blocked
• Blockages from fats can reduce blood flow to the heart and may lead to a heart attack if completely blocked

Key Instructions Before the Procedure

• Inform doctor about medications and allergies
• Stop certain medications if advised
• Arrange someone to accompany you
• You may be told to stop some medicines before the test
• Physical exam and blood tests may be done

Step-by-Step

• You are usually awake; the area is numbed so you don't feel pain
• A thin tube (catheter) is placed through the wrist or groin artery and guided to the heart
• A special dye is injected — you may feel warm or flushed briefly
• X-ray images are taken to see blood flow and detect any blockages

Risks, Benefits and Hospital Stay

Risks and Complications

• Kidney damage
• Allergic reaction
• Rarely, heart attack or stroke

Benefits and Expected Outcomes

• Finds blocked or narrowed arteries
• Shows how well blood is flowing to the heart
• Detects buildup of fat/cholesterol (plaque)
• Checks results of previous heart treatments or surgery

Duration of Hospital Stay

• Usually a same-day or overnight stay
• Bed rest for a few hours after procedure

Recovery, Lifestyle and Follow-up

Recovery and Aftercare

• Most patients go home within 24 hours
• Avoid heavy lifting for 1–2 days
• Keep insertion site clean and dry
• Return to normal activities in a few days

Diet

• Low-fat, low-salt diet
• Increase fruits, vegetables, whole grains

Long-Term Care

• Regular exercise
• Manage diabetes, BP, cholesterol
• Quit smoking

Preventing Recurrence

• Follow medications strictly
• Regular doctor visits

Follow-up

Usually within 1 week after the procedure.

Myths vs Facts

Frequently Asked Questions