Question

The figure above shows an angiogram of the coronary blood vessel. Which one of the following statements correctly describes, what is being done?

• A. It is coronary artery which has a cancerous growth that is being removed.
• B. It is coronary artery which is blocked by a plaque and the same is being cracked.
• C. It is coronary vein in which the defective valves are being opened.
• D. It is coronary vein blocked by a parasite (blood fluke) that is being removed.

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

It is coronary artery which is blocked by a plaque and the same is being cracked.

A coronary angiogram is a procedure conducted as part of a general group of procedures known as heart (cardiac) catheterization. The procedure uses dye and special X- ray imaging to see the coronary arteries. A waxy substance called plaque tends to build up inside the coronary arteries. Hardened plaque narrows the coronary arteries and reduces the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart which causes chest pain or discomfort- medically known as angina. The diagram shows the coronary artery blocked by plaque as seen through a coronary angiogram.