Angiogram vs. angioplasty: How are they different?

What is an angiogram?

An angiogram is a procedure in which a doctor can analyze the blood supply to the heart. It is typically the first-line diagnostic test for conditions concerning the blood vessels.

The procedure involves injecting a special type of dye, known as a contrast agent, into the blood vessels and taking imaging scans.

An angiogram is usually the diagnostic procedure that precedes an angioplasty if a doctor determines an angioplasty to be appropriate.

Types

There are several types of angiogram, including:

• a coronary angiogram, which looks at the heart and surrounding blood vessels
• a pulmonary angiogram, which looks at the blood vessels that supply the lungs
• a cerebral angiogram, which looks at the blood vessels inside and surrounding the brain
• a renal angiogram, which looks at the blood vessels that supply the kidneys

What is an angioplasty?

An angioplasty is a noninvasive procedure that can unblock or widen arteries that may have a buildup of excess plaque.

It is typically the first line of treatment for several conditions concerning the arteries. An angioplasty usually follows an angiogram if a doctor determines it is necessary.

Types

A doctor may use two types of angioplasty to treat conditions concerning the arteries.

A percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) involves using a small balloon to open or unblock the affected artery. A doctor will then place a small, mesh metal tube known as a stent into the artery to keep the blood flowing.

A balloon angioplasty also involves using a small balloon to open the artery. However, a doctor will not insert a stent.

Uses of angiogram vs. angioplasty

A doctor may use an angiogram to investigate several health conditions, such as:

• Atherosclerosis: This refers to a buildup of plaque that can lead to the following:
  • chest pain
  • cramping in the legs
  • digestive issues
• Angina: Angina is chest pain due to a restriction of blood flow to the heart. It can cause:
  • shortness of breath
  • fatigue
  • nausea
  • lightheadedness
• Blood clots: A blood clot can lead to a stroke or heart attack. Clot symptoms include:
  • trouble breathing
  • swelling
  • pain
  • an irregular heartbeat
  • lightheadedness
• Peripheral arterial disease (PAD): PAD occurs when a narrowing of the arteries affects the lower limbs. It can cause the following:
  • cramping
  • weakness
  • numbness
  • a cold feeling in the feet or legs
• Coronary artery disease (CAD): CAD occurs due to plaque buildup in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. People with this condition may experience:
  • chest pain
  • shortness of breath
  • lightheadedness

A doctor may decide to use an angioplasty if a person has PAD or CAD.

What to expect from an angiogram

A doctor will typically perform an angiogram when a person is awake, under local anesthetic. The procedure may take between 30 minutes and two hours.

It generally involves the following steps:

1. The doctor makes a small incision in the groin or wrist.
2. They insert a thin, flexible tube known as a catheter into the artery.
3. They guide the catheter into the area that requires examination.
4. They inject a contrast agent into the artery.
5. They take several imaging scans.

Recovery

A person can typically recover from an angiogram right away. However, depending on the access site, they may have some restrictions following the procedure.

A person may feel tender and sore for a few days and want to avoid strenuous activity or heavy lifting for up to a week.

What to expect from an angioplasty

Following an angiogram, a doctor may decide that a person requires an angioplasty. The procedure may take between 30 minutes and two hours.

To perform an angioplasty, a surgeon will generally follow these steps:

1. They introduce a guidewire through the catheter put in place during the angiogram.
2. They move the guidewire to the location of the blockage or narrowing in the artery.
3. They introduce the balloon over the narrowing, inflating and deflating it until the blockage clears and the artery opens.
4. If they are using a stent, they will put it in place, inflating the balloon to secure it into position.

Recovery

A person may experience bruising and soreness for a few days.

A doctor may prescribe medications to prevent complications, such as anticoagulant medications to prevent blood clots.

A person can typically return to work and resume physical activity within a few days to a week.

Side effects

Several possible side effects can occur after an angiogram or an angioplasty.

Angiogram

Mild to more serious side effects of an angiogram can include:

• bruising
• soreness
• a small lump near the site of the incision
• an infection at the incision site
• nausea
• a mild or serious allergic reaction to the contrast agent or dye
• kidney failure
• excessive bleeding

Angioplasty

Mild to more serious side effects of an angioplasty can include:

• bruising
• bleeding under the skin
• soreness
• damage to an artery
• excessive bleeding
• blood clots

Summary

An angiogram is a minimally invasive procedure that a surgeon may use to diagnose various conditions that affect the arteries and blood vessels. To perform one, a doctor typically inserts a catheter, injects a special dye, and takes imaging scans. If they determine the person needs further treatment, the person may undergo an angioplasty.

An angioplasty is a procedure that can open and clear arteries that have become narrow due to a buildup of excess plaque. To perform an angioplasty, a surgeon typically inserts a small balloon through the catheter to inflate and clear the artery. They may then insert a stent to keep the artery open.

Recovery from both procedures typically takes a few days to a week. People may experience several minor side effects, such as bruising and tenderness.