[Coronary Angiography in Clinical Practice: Update on Indications, Complications, and Contraindications].

Abstract

Coronary angiography (CA) is the gold standard for identifying the presence and extent of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease or dynamic stenosis of the arteries.

Aim: Review of the literature and international clinical guidelines on the evidence of its indications in different clinical scenarios.

Method: Qualitative study through a narrative review of the current indications of the technique, limitations, possible complications and contraindications.

Results: Information on the different scenarios in which CA is requested is extensive, ranging from expert recommendations to evidence-based clinical guidelines that support its performance. Undoubtedly, technological advances have led to the understanding of coronary pathology with the contribution of complementary techniques that contribute not only to the diagnosis but also to its treatment. It is important to understand its potential complications in order not only to plan a procedure and avoid them, and not to subject patients to tests that will not contribute in their clinical context.

Conclusions: Since the first CA, performed by Mason Sones in 1958, there has been an exponential growth in interventional cardiology, where CA has improved its technique generating more evidence in its indications.