Angiogram / Angioplasty

Angiogram Vs Angioplasty

Angiogram

Angiogram is a diagnostic procedure used for assessing the blood vessels for any heart condition. It is a minimally invasive procedure. This procedure takes pictures of the blood vessels. It also takes X-rays to know the blood flow through the blood vessels and to determine if there are any blockages. During this procedure, a catheter(small flexible tube) is inserted into the main artery to inject a dye and navigate to the area that needs to be examined. The examined area can be either heart, brain, legs, or kidneys. The X-rays and pictures of blood vessels are studied by the concerned specialist doctor to determine the cause of the problem and the extent of damage caused to the blood vessels.

Based on the location and the blockages discovered by the doctor, the duration of procedures varies. A simple angiogram requires 15 minutes and it can extend up to 2 hrs or longer based on various factors. After the procedure, you can go back home on the same day if everything goes well.

There are different types of Angiogram such as:

• Aortic angiogram

• Coronary angiogram(Heart) 

• Pulmonary angiogram(Lungs) 

• Cerebral angiogram(Brain) 

• Peripheral angiogram(Arms/legs) 

• Renal angiogram(Kidneys) 

Angioplasty

Angioplasty is a procedure used for widening the narrowed arteries, either due to cholesterol deposits or blood clots, for treating the condition. During this procedure, a catheter is inserted into the main artery and navigates to the blockage. Then, a balloon is passed in the catheter till the block and it is inflated after positioning the balloon at the blocked portion of the artery. The inflated balloon compresses the cholesterol or blood clots to the wall of the artery, widening the lumen of the blood vessel and improves blood flow. The balloon will be deflated while keeping wire across the widened area. Angioplasty is considered a success if the blood flow improves and if the blockage left is very minimal.

Based on the location, angioplasty is of different types namely:

• Coronary angioplasty

• Cerebral angioplasty

• Renal artery angioplasty

• Balloon pulmonary angioplasty

• Carotid artery angioplasty

Based on the type of angioplasty, the duration of this procedure ranges from 30 minutes to 3 hours or more. When you undergo an angioplasty procedure, you may need to stay in the hospital overnight so that nurses can monitor your condition and ensure that the procedure is successful.

When Do You Need Angiogram or Angioplasty?

Your doctor would recommend angioplasty or angiogram if you show certain health symptoms. Both the procedures are helpful for treating various health conditions related to blood flow restriction.

The common symptoms that necessitate angiogram procedure include:

• Breathlessness

• Chest pain

• Sudden pain in neck, jaw, and arm

• Headache

• Dizziness

•  Unexplained sweating or discomfort

The common indications that may need angioplasty procedure include:

• More than 50% blockage in the main artery supplying blood to heart muscle.

• More than 70% of blockage in any other blood vessel that is more than 2 mm in diameter.