Coronary Angiography & Angioplasty

Electrocardiogram is representation of the heart’s electrical activity recorded from electrodes on the body surface. Electrode patches / leads are attached to your skin to measure the electrical impulses given off by your heart. The result is a trace that can be read by a doctor. It can give information of previous heart attacks or problems with the heart rhythm. Normal rhythm is called “sinus” (originating from the sinus node). Other abnormal rhythms that can be identified by the ECG include atrial fibrillation and forms of heart block. An ECG may also provide clues that a chamber in the heart is enlarged.

Echocardiogram or commonly known as 2D Echo is simply a sonogram of the heart. It provides detailed information about the heart’s structure and function – including the pumping function of the heart as well as the function of the valves in the heart. The technology makes use of sound waves to create images and therefore does not involve any radiation exposure. The squeezing function of the left ventricle (the main pumping chamber of the heart) is calculated and called the “left ventricular ejection fraction” or LVEF, which estimates the percentage of blood ejected from the left ventricle with every heartbeat. The 4 valves in the heart are also looked at in close detail to ensure that they open and close normally. Any other structural abnormalities can also be seen and evaluated. Sometimes contrast is required to better visualize the heart. This involves inserting an intravenous and injecting a small amount of a contrast liquid.

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