Coronary disease: detection and treatment

by Vithas Xanit International Hospital
(Benalmadena Pueblo )

According to data from the OFRECE study, coronary artery disease is the most common type of heart disease. It is estimated that in Spain currently there will be 1,151,350 patients with a history of ischaemic heart disease, of which only 274,480 (95% CI) will have symptoms of angina, this figure is increasing especially in industrialised countries.

Coronary artery disease occurs when the arteries which take blood to the heart become narrowed, this is mainly due to a build-up of cholesterol. As this condition advances, less blood flows through these arteries which can lead to a myocardial infarction (heart attack) if not diagnosed and treated soon enough.

How is this condition diagnosed?

There are currently several tests and cardiac investigations which can help to detect coronary artery disease. Cardiac catheterisation and coronary angiography are currently the most common procedures used, they assess the anatomy of the coronary arteries as well as the correct functioning of the heart.

Cardiac catheterisation:

This procedure involves the introduction of a catheter into the heart allowing the specialist to assess the heart’s anatomy and the volume of blood being pumped, as well as the anatomy of the coronary arteries. It also enables the measurement of the pressure within the heart chambers and the identification of any abnormal heart valves.

Although it is a complex and invasive procedure, it is very comprehensive. It enables the identification of birth defects or holes in the atrial or ventricular septum. It facilitates the measurement of the oxygen concentration in different parts of the heart and provides the means to obtain specimens of cardiac tissue for the diagnosis of certain conditions.

Coronary angiography:

This technique completes the cardiac catheterisation, it is performed during the same procedure by injecting contrast into the patient's blood which is then identified using X-rays. This allows visualisation of the coronary arteries to determine if there is any obstruction or narrowing as well as its exact location of this, the number of arteries affected and the severity of the lesions.
It is a procedure which is required when a patient suffers a myocardial infarction, the information it provides ensuring it is treated appropriately.

What are these procedures for?

Catheterisation and coronary angiography are performed with two objectives: to make a diagnosis and/or to give treatment.

Treatments which can be performed include insertion of stents into the coronary arteries, implantation of artificial valves or in the case of birth defects closure of blood vessels or communications between heart chambers.

Taking good care of our heart is fundamental for our health, at Vithas Xanit International Hospital our Cardiology specialists form part of our Heart Unit, an internationally renowned Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery Unit. The Unit’s investment in state of the art technology enables the team to offer patients the latest techniques including catheterisation, ablation in the treatment of atrial fibrillation and procedures for the treatment of arrhythmias.

The hospital is also able to offer cardiac surgery procedures including mitral and aortic valve repair. If you would like more information on The Heart Unit please visit the link below (Spanish): Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery Unit