Angiograms is a medical imaging procedure used to check the blood flow through a blood vessel or heart, typically used in case of any obstacle in the flow of blood. Coronary Angiograms is part of a group of tests and procedures known as cardiac catheterization. According to Dr. Abhishek Singh, Consultant Cardiologist at Manipal Hospital, Ghaziabad, the procedure uses thin tubes called catheters which goes inside the major blood vessels of the body and the heart.
To open any blocked arteries, angioplasty and stenting are the two major treatments considered under this procedure. Apart from this, a computerised tomography (CT) scan can also be used which doesn’t use tubes.
Most often, it’s used to check in case there are any signs of blockage or damage to the blood vessels. It is used to diagnose conditions like:
- Heart disease or stroke
- Coronary artery disease
- Atherosclerosis.
- Blood clots
- Aneurysm.
“This procedure helps in determining the major source of the problem and the treatment options available to prevent any further damage to the heart and body. Angiograms are not part of the routine tests,” Dr. Singh told Financial Express.com.
It’s advised in case of the emergence of any signs and symptoms that might suggest any serious underlying condition. It includes:
- Pain in chest area (Angina) – The most common sign of heart-related issues is usually pain in the chest, especially during physical endeavors or pressure. Such chest pain is known as angina, which is caused due to insufficient blood supply to the heart as a result of narrowed or blocked arteries. In such cases an angiogram may be recommended.
- Fatigue and dizziness – Lack of proper blood circulation to various organs and parts of the body causes the fatigue and dizziness. These symptoms indicate a heart problem and as a result, an angiogram is recommended in order to find out the cause and check if there is any obstruction to the blood flow.
- Abnormal test results – In case heart and other tests like stress test, echocardiograms, or electrocardiograms (EKGs) show unsatisfactory results, then an angiogram is suggested to get a clear picture of the underlying problem.
- Pain or numbness in arms or legs – Peripheral artery disease is a condition causing the arteries to become extremely narrowed leading to cramping and numbness in legs or arms. An angiogram is used to detect the blockages for proper treatment.
“Angiograms are a critical diagnostic tool, used when symptoms are severe or when non-invasive tests fail to diagnose the problem causing them. It is advised to consult a doctor if any such sign or symptoms emerges. After going through other examinations and evaluating the seriousness of the symptoms, the doctor can then determine if a patient requires an angiogram screening or not,” Dr. Singh explained.
One should not disregard the warning indications and seek out medical help so that any possible worsening condition causing injury to the heart amongst other organs is treated in an efficient and effective manner, he added.