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Key Things to Know About Angiograms and Angioplasties

When dealing with blocked arteries or other heart issues, one might have to undergo a few procedures to get diagnosed and treated. Here, an angiogram and angioplasty are the commonly recommended next steps. An angiogram (or angiography) uses contrast agents and imaging scans to diagnose a condition, whereas an angioplasty treats arterial plaque buildup and other heart conditions.

Key Things to Know About Angiograms and Angioplasties
It is important to understand both the procedures to make an informed treatment decision.

Artery blockage management plan
Healthcare professionals typically suspect cardiovascular conditions, especially artery blockage, when they receive complaints of chest pain, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, nausea, fatigue, pain, swelling, and cramping in the legs. Following a physical examination and discussion, the professional might recommend an angiogram and angioplasty.

Angiograms are typically done before angioplasty procedures. Based on the initial consultation, a healthcare professional may order an angiogram to get a clear picture of the arteries. After getting access to the images of vessels, the healthcare professional will confirm blockages, if any, and then might recommend an angioplasty. If necessary, both angiography and angioplasty can be carried out during the same session. That said, if the blockage is not likely to cause any complications, the specialist might suggest options like prescription-based treatments or lifestyle changes rather than an angioplasty following an angiogram examination.

Angiogram and angiography
Angiography is a diagnostic procedure that allows healthcare professionals to examine the blood vessels and blood flow. The image generated during this procedure is called an angiogram. It is often the go-to diagnosis tool when dealing with blood vessel issues or poor blood flow to the heart. Angiography is considered a minimally invasive procedure, which simply involves inserting a special dye into the vessels to help generate clear diagnostic images.

An angiogram typically aids in investigating health conditions like atherosclerosis, angina, blood clots, peripheral artery disease, and coronary artery disease.

Types of angiograms
The choice of diagnostic method is typically based on the location of the seemingly affected (clogged) blood vessels. For instance, a coronary angiogram enables the examination of the heart and the vessels surrounding it. Here, computed tomography (CT) scans may be used. So, like regular angiography, a cardiac CT angiogram procedure would also involve using contrast agents/dyes to highlight images of vessels and tissues around the heart.

A pulmonary angiogram might be recommended if vessels that supply blood to the lungs need to be examined. Likewise, a cerebral angiogram is an image of the blood vessels in and around the brain, and a renal angiogram captures vessels in and around the kidneys.

Angioplasty
Angioplasty is a non-invasive treatment procedure that addresses blocked and narrowed arteries. It is usually the first line of treatment for those dealing with health concerns related to blood vessels.

Types of angioplasty
While angioplasty procedures can be carried out in the vessels around the heart, neck, legs, and other regions, there are two main ways to address blockages here. The first is through a balloon angioplasty, which involves using a small, thin, inflatable balloon to clear out blockages and open up the affected arteries. This is typically followed by the second type, called stent insertion. When placed in the affected region, a stent helps keep the arteries open and prevents narrowing and blood flow issues. This process is also known as percutaneous coronary intervention.

When carrying out an angioplasty, healthcare professionals may or may not place a stent. For instance, the balloon used in the first type is inflated and deflated once in position. The action helps clear blockages and open arteries for better blood flow and oxygenation. Then, the stent, a tool made of a wire mesh, acts as a scaffolding and holds the arteries in position following balloon angioplasty. So, it serves the same purpose as the balloon, i.e., keeping the arteries open and improving blood flow to the heart. That said, a stent helps prevent the re-narrowing of arteries after balloon angioplasty.

Angiography procedure
This procedure can be carried out when one is awake. Typically, it takes between 30 to 120 minutes to get an angiogram.

  • First, a catheter (tube) is inserted into the artery.
  • The tube is guided to the location in the body where the blood vessels need to be examined. Once in position, a contrast dye is inserted into the arteries.
  • Following this, several imaging scans of the blood vessels are taken so the doctors can study and determine the treatment plan.

After undergoing angiography, one may need to rest for a short while, or sometimes not at all, before returning to their daily routine. Either way, one must avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities for a few days following the procedure.

Angioplasty procedure
This procedure also takes anywhere from 30 to 120 minutes. Certain complicated cases might take longer.

  • First, a guidewire catheter is inserted into a blood vessel and moved to the narrowing or blockage location.
  • Then, a balloon catheter is introduced to the region and repeatedly inflated and deflated. The action clears the blockage, opening up the artery.
  • Alternatively, a stent will be placed inside the artery following balloon angioplasty. The stent can help keep the artery open once the balloon is removed.

Following the procedure, it is common to experience some soreness for a few days. That said, as this is a minimally invasive procedure, the recovery period is typically short, and one can resume daily activities after one to two weeks.

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