Yes, noninvasive coronary angiography is possible. Those who are not interested for trans radial coronary angiography or coronary angiography through femoral artery may opt for noninvasive coronary angiography which is performed by Computed Tomography Scan (CT Scan) procedure. The dazzling resolution and speed of 64-slice CT Scan is capable of imaging the cardiovascular system. Through computer aided software it is possible to freeze the cardiac motion to achieve the diagnosis of coronary artery disease. Through CT Scan 64 thin slices, each with 360-degree rotation of the x-ray tube are achieved. The entire heart could be imaged with in 6 to 8 minutes as one slice image takes hardly 0.35 seconds. After the scan, the data is processed with image handling software on the CT workstation using volume rendering technique. Noninvasive coronary angiography is cost effective and less time consuming. One may have second opinion on the diagnosis before going for treatment.
Cause of Coronary Artery Disease: Coronary artery disease (CAD) occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle become hardened and narrowed down due to deposition of fat or plaques. The arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle are called coronary arteries. The buildup of plaque on the inner side of coronary arteries is known as atherosclerosis. Enormous increase in the size of plaque may lead to partial or complete blockage of a coronary artery, thereby reducing the flow of oxygenated blood to the cardiac muscle. Lack of oxygen supply and nutrients to the cardiac muscle may result in angina. Long duration of CAD may weaken the heart muscle and cause heart failure or arrhythmias. Heart failure means the heart is unable to pump the required amount of blood to various parts of body and does not advocate the complete cessation of function of heart. Arrhythmias means changes in the normal beating rhythm of the heart or apex beat. In some cases, the first sign of the CAD may be a heart attack. A heart attack may happen when a blood clot formed due to broken plaque completely blocks a coronary artery.
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When the doctor recommends a coronary angiogram to someone close to you, the initial reaction is denial and non acceptance. Some people also believe that anyone who undergoes this test would invariably have to go through bypass surgery. Others believe that it will be painful, requiring prolonged hospital admission. But the truth is that it is a simple X-ray of the heart blood vessels, virtually painless and requires a short stay. Coronary angiogram is one of the most accurate tests in the diagnosis of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). It is used to pinpoint the location and severity of CAD and is relatively safe. A coronary angiogram is the 'gold standard' for evaluation of CAD. The test is done in a special laboratory called a cardiac catheterization laboratory, which is similar to an operating theater. List of Hospitals in Germany for Coronary Angiography
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