LAB TEST
Left heart ventricular angiography
Left heart ventricular angiography is a procedure to look at the left-sided heart chambers and the function of the left-sided valves. It is sometimes combined with coronary angiography.
How the Test is Performed
Before the test, you will be given medicine to help you relax. You will be awake and able to follow instructions during the test. An intravenous line is placed in your arm. The health care provider cleans and numbs an area on your arm or groin. A cardiologist makes a small cut in the area, and inserts a thin flexible…
How to Prepare for the Test
You will be told not to eat or drink for 6 to 8 hours before the test. The procedure takes place in the hospital. Some people may need to stay in the hospital the night before the test. A provider will explain the procedure and its risks. You must sign a consent form for the procedure.
How the Test will Feel
You will feel a sting and burn when the local anesthetic is injected. You may feel pressure when the catheter is inserted. Occasionally, a flushing sensation or a feeling that you need to urinate occurs when the dye is injected.
Why the Test is Performed
Left heart angiography is performed to assess the blood flow through the left side of the heart.
Normal Results
A normal result shows normal blood flow through the left side of the heart. Blood volumes and pressures are also normal.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Abnormal results may be due to: A hole in the heart ( ventricular septal defect ) Abnormalities of the left heart valves An aneurysm of the heart wall Areas of the heart that are not contracting normally Blood flow problems on the left side of the heart Heart-related blockages Weakened pumping function of the left…
Risks
Risks associated with this procedure include: Abnormal heartbeats ( arrhythmias ) Allergic reaction to dye or sedating medicines Artery or vein damage Cardiac tamponade Embolism from blood clots at the tip of the catheter Heart failure due to the volume of the dye Infection Kidney failure from the dye Low blood…
Considerations
Right heart catheterization may be combined with this procedure. Left heart ventricular angiography has some risk because it is an invasive procedure. Other imaging techniques may carry less risk, such as: CT scans Echocardiography Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the heart Radionuclide ventriculography Your…
References
Kern MJ, Seto AH, Herrmann J. Invasive hemodynamic diagnosis of cardiac disease. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Tomaselli GF, Bhatt DL, Solomon SD, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine . 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 22. Patel MR, Bailey SR, Bonow RO, et al.…
This is a summary. Read the full article at www.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org (reviewed 26/10/2022).
This page is general information and is not medical advice. It does not replace a registered doctor, and it is not a prescription or a recommendation to use any medicine or test. Prices are listed prices and may change. Always follow the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.