Are your neck veins blocked? Let's learn everything about (Carotid Angiography)!

Have you ever wondered how important it is for blood to flow to the brain through the blood vessels in our neck? Sometimes these blood vessels can become blocked. That's when we're going to talk about a special test that's done to see exactly what's going on in the main blood vessels in your neck. This is called a carotid angiography . Don't worry, we'll talk about this simply and in a way that you can understand.

So, what exactly is Carotid Angiography?

Simply put, a carotid angiography is a test to see how blood is flowing in the large blood vessels on either side of your neck called the carotid arteries . These blood vessels carry blood from our heart to our head and brain. Think of them as the main arteries that bring life to our brain.

Sometimes, these blood vessels become clogged with fat, like a clog in a water pipe. Doctors call this Carotid Artery Disease . The main cause of this is a condition called Atherosclerosis . In such cases, an angiography test is done to see exactly how much the blood vessels are clogged and where they are clogged. This test uses X-rays and a special liquid called Contrast Dye to take pictures of the blood vessels. Then the doctor can clearly see what is happening inside the blood vessels.

When is a carotid angiography performed?

There are several situations in which your doctor or nurse may ask you to do this test:

• If he suspects that you have Carotid Artery Disease .
• If you have had a mini-stroke (or Transient Ischemic Attack - TIA) . This is when blood flow to the brain is temporarily reduced, causing symptoms similar to a stroke (e.g. sudden weakness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking) and then improving after a short time.
• If you have had a stroke .

In a situation like this, this test is very important to accurately determine the condition of the blood vessels in the neck.

Do you do any other tests before this test?

Yes, usually if a doctor thinks you have symptoms of carotid artery disease , they will first do a simple, painless test called a carotid ultrasound . This can give a rough idea of ​​the blood vessels. However, if the ultrasound images are not clear enough, or if the doctor wants to see more details, then they will order a carotid angiography.

Who performs this carotid angiography?

This is done.A doctor who specializes in image-guided procedures. An interventional radiologist, to be precise. He or she is the one who performs this delicate task safely and precisely.

How does Carotid Angiography work? It's very simple!

Let's take a look at how this test is done:

1. First, the doctor inserts a very thin, flexible tube called a ``catheter'' into a blood vessel in your groin (or sometimes your arm). You won't feel much pain when this is inserted, because the area will be numb.

2. Then, a special liquid called ``Contrast Dye`` is injected into the blood vessels through this tube ``(Catheter). This liquid is what makes the blood vessels clearly visible when viewed on X-rays ``(X-rays).

3. Finally, X-ray pictures are taken. These pictures are used to check for blockages or narrowing of the blood vessels.

Sometimes, instead of an X-ray, a CT scan (also called a CT Carotid Angiography) or an MRI (also called a Magnetic Resonance Angiogram - MRA) may be used. This is up to your doctor.

How do you prepare for this test?

There are a few things you will be asked to do before this test, and it is very important that you follow them exactly.

• Food and Drink: Your doctor will advise you on how many hours you should fast before the test and what you should and should not eat or drink. It is important to follow these instructions.
• Medications: You should tell your doctor about all medications you take (especially blood thinners like aspirin ) and any herbal supplements you use. Your doctor will tell you whether or not to take these medications before the test.
• Valuables: Leave your valuables like gold jewelry, rings, and necklaces at home.
• If you are staying in the hospital: If you have to stay in the hospital overnight, bring the things you need to stay comfortable (e.g., a robe, a pair of slippers).
• If you are having an outpatient procedure: You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home after the test, as it may be difficult for you to drive after the test.

What should you expect when you come to the test?

When you come to the test,

• You will be given a hospital gown to wear.
• If you use glasses or hearing aids, ask the doctor if you can wear them during the test.
• But contact lensesDon't wear it during the test.

What kind of experience do you get when taking the test?

Carotid angiography usually takes between 60 and 90 minutes . During this time, the doctor and medical team will:

• A small tube called a catheter is inserted into a vein in your arm to give you medicine and fluids. This is called an IV (intravenous) infusion .
• A sedative will be given to put you at ease and make you feel a little sleepy.
• Small sticker-like strips (electrodes) are attached to your chest, and the electrical activity of your heart is monitored with an ECG (Electrocardiogram) machine throughout the test.
• The groin (or arm) is numbed with local anesthesia . Then you won't feel any pain when the catheter is inserted.
• Then, a catheter is inserted into the tube, and a special liquid called "Contrast Dye" is injected through it to make the blood vessels visible.

Does this carotid angiography hurt?

This test is usually not painful. The only thing most people feel is a slight warmth or tingling sensation when the special liquid (Contrast Dye) is injected into the body. But this disappears within a few seconds.

However, if you feel anything like this during the test , you should tell the doctor or nurse immediately:

• Chest pain or discomfort.
• Itchy skin.
• It feels like I'm going to get nauseous.
• Symptoms of a severe allergy (e.g., a feeling of tightness in the throat, difficulty breathing) - this is called anaphylaxis .
• Any blurring or change in vision.

Don't worry, the medical team is watching you, so if something like that happens, they will treat it quickly.

What happens when the test is over?

When the test is over,

• The doctor carefully removes all the inserted catheters.
• Pressure is applied and a bandage is applied to stop the bleeding from the site where the tube was inserted.
• Your heart rate and blood pressure are checked.
• You will be taken to a separate room to rest for a few hours. During this time, you will need to stay in bed for a while.

After the test, your doctor will advise you to drink plenty of water and fluids to help the contrast dye leave your body quickly. You may also need to urinate a little more than usual. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully about how and when to get up and start moving around.

What do the results of a carotid angiography show?

Your doctor can learn a lot of important information from the results of this test.

• Is there any blockage or narrowing of the carotid arteries in your neck?
• If you have a blockage like this, it can help you assess your risk of having a stroke .
• Based on these results, doctors will decide what kind of treatment you need going forward, or what lifestyle changes you need to make .

How long does it take to know the results?

The images taken during the test are examined by a radiologist . He or she uses these images to find out what the disease is and prepares a report about it. The report is then sent to the doctor who is treating you. When your doctor receives the report, he or she will call you and explain the results and what to do next.

When should I call the doctor after the test?

After you go home from the test, call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:

• If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction to the contrast dye (e.g., skin redness, swelling, itching, difficulty breathing).
• If you are not feeling well , if you have a fever.
• If the area where the tube was inserted is swollen, red, or painful, or if there is continuous bleeding from there.

Things like this don't usually happen, but if they do, it's best to tell the doctor as soon as possible.

How do doctors treat Carotid Artery Disease?

If a carotid angiography finds that the blood vessels in your neck are blocked or narrowed, your doctor may suggest the following treatments:

• Carotid Endarterectomy: This is a surgical procedure that opens up a blocked blood vessel and removes fatty deposits inside.
• Carotid Stenting: This involves placing a small mesh-like device (Stent) inside the blocked blood vessel to widen the vessel. This is also done using a catheter, similar to angiography.
• Medication: Medications such as blood thinners and cholesterol-lowering medications may be prescribed.

In addition, the doctor also advises you to make lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and exercising.

Finally, remember (Take-Home Message)

Okay, so I hope you now have a good idea about the test called Carotid Angiography that we talked about today.

This is done to determine if there is any blockage or narrowing in the main blood vessels in your neck.It is because of blockages like this that dangerous conditions like stroke can occur.

Don't be afraid to think about this test. It's done to help you, to understand your health condition exactly, and to start treatment as soon as possible if necessary. If you have any more questions about this, don't be afraid to ask your doctor. He or she will explain everything to you in more detail. Stay healthy!

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