An angiogram is a type of imaging study that uses MRI, CT, or X-rays to detect blood flow in your blood arteries. Your coronary arteries can be seen by medical specialists with a coronary angiography. A catheter is a tiny tube used to perform an angiography. A heart surgeon will insert the catheter into an artery that supplies blood to your heart through your arm or groin. Then, using X-ray technology, they will inject contrast dye through the catheter to help take pictures of your heart's blood veins.
Also, read: Understanding Angiography: Indications, Test, Recovery and Complications
In contrast to angiography (process of taking an angiogram), angioplasty is a process whereby a heart surgeon addresses blockages and narrowing in an artery in your heart by inserting therapeutic balloons or stents (metal mesh tube).
A catheter is also inserted through an artery that leads to your heart during an angioplasty. However, a doctor uses the catheter to insert a balloon or stent at the obstruction site rather than taking pictures. The obstruction is flattened against the arterial wall once the device is implanted, preventing blood flow to the heart from being impeded.
An angioplasty may follow an angiography in the same surgical procedure. In these situations, a surgeon assesses artery blockages using an angiogram as a diagnostic technique before performing an angioplasty to treat them.
Also, read: Angioplasty- Definition, Indications, Types and What it is
| Aspect | Angiography | Angioplasty |
|---|---|---|
| What is it? | A surgeon can identify a number of disorders affecting the arteries and blood vessels with an angiography, a minimally invasive technique. A doctor usually inserts a catheter, injects a specific dye, and takes imaging images to do one. An angioplasty may be performed if they decide the patient requires additional care. | A technique called an angioplasty can widen and unclog arteries that have narrowed as a result of too much plaque accumulation. A little balloon is usually inserted through the catheter by the surgeon to inflate and clear the artery in order to perform an angioplasty. After that, they might put in a stent to maintain the artery's opening. |
| Purpose | Primarily to diagnose blockages, narrowing, or abnormalities in blood vessels. | To treat blockages or narrowing in blood vessels, improving blood flow. |
| Procedure Type | Diagnostic | Therapeutic |
| Techniques Used | Involves injecting a contrast dye into the blood vessels and taking X-ray images. | Involves inserting a catheter with a balloon or stent to open blocked arteries. |
| Invasiveness | Minimally invasive (only diagnostic; no treatment performed). | Minimally invasive but involves active intervention to restore blood flow. |
| Anesthesia | Usually performed under local anesthesia. | Performed under local anesthesia; sometimes sedation is used. |
| Duration | 30–60 minutes | 1–2 hours, depending on the complexity of the blockage. |
| Recovery Time | Quick recovery; patients can often leave the hospital the same day. | Recovery may take a few hours to a day; hospitalization might be required in some cases. |
| Equipment Used | Catheter, X-ray machine, contrast dye. | Catheter, balloon, stent (if required), guide wire, and fluoroscopy equipment. |
| Indications | - Chest pain (angina) - Suspicion of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) - Evaluation of blood flow in arteries or veins. |
- Coronary artery disease (CAD) - Acute heart attack - Angina refractory to medication - Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD). |
| Outcome | Provides images and detailed information about blood vessels. | Restores blood flow, relieves symptoms like chest pain, and prevents complications like heart attacks. |
| Risk | Low risk; includes allergic reaction to contrast dye or minor bleeding at the catheter site. | Moderate risk; includes bleeding, infection, artery rupture, or stent-related complications. |
| Hospital Stay | Usually outpatient (same-day discharge). | May require overnight monitoring, depending on the patient's condition. |
| Cost | Generally less expensive as it’s diagnostic. | More expensive due to the therapeutic intervention and stent placement. |
| Follow-Up | Follow-up may include additional diagnostic tests if a blockage is detected. | Follow-up includes regular monitoring of heart health and potential medication adjustment |
Also, read: Angiography vs Angioplasty: What is the difference?
Recovery from both treatments usually takes a few days to a week. People may encounter minor side effects such as bruising and soreness. Doctors utilize an angiography to diagnose problems that can be treated with medication, lifestyle changes, angioplasty, or surgery.
You can talk with your doctor about whether you need either of these operations and what they will entail. Prompt treatment of cardiac blockages can help avoid life-threatening consequences.
At Artemis Cardiac Care, our cardiologists are highly trained in performing angiographies and angiopasties successfully. Connect with our cardiologists, if you want to know more about the difference between angiogram and angioplasty.
Q1: How serious are these procedures?
A: A heart catheterisation lab is used for both angioplasty and angiograms. They are less invasive and don't require a lengthy recovery period because they are outpatient operations.
Q2: Can blockages in your heart be cleared up with an angiography?
A: An angiography is a diagnostic imaging technique used by doctors to identify blockages. It's not a way to deal with those obstructions. Your doctor might perform an angioplasty to treat the blockages using a balloon or stent if your angiography reveals any. It is possible to undergo these two treatments in a single visit.
Q3: Is a cardiac stent always necessary for angioplasty?
A: Not all the time. A stent or a balloon can be used to perform an angioplasty. It's a thin little metal wire mesh tube. It is inserted and then gradually adjusted to clear the obstruction. It is placed inside the artery to act as scaffolding, keeping it open and facilitating the best possible blood flow. Your doctor might suggest coronary artery bypass graft surgery if the obstruction is severe.
Q4: Do I need to prepare differently for Angiogram and Angioplasty?
A: For both procedures, patients may need to fast for several hours before the procedure. However, Angioplasty may require additional preparations like pre-procedure medications or stent placement considerations.
Q5: Is Angioplasty used to treat heart attacks?
A: Yes, Angioplasty is often used to treat heart attacks by reopening blocked arteries and restoring blood flow to the heart muscle.
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