What is the difference between a CT angiogram and a heart catheritization. Which is better? I had a CTA of the aortic arch and neck. I've been having discomfort for weeks but the CTA was fine. I also have moderate mitral valve regurg which the doctor said does not need repairing. So I am confused as to what test give the best information for blockages,etc....
You would need a stress test or a CT scan of your heart ( 64/128 Slice Coronary CT angiogram ). Make an appointment with a cardiologist. Why do you think you have a clogged artery?
Diffuse Soft plaques seen in mid RCA causing moderate narrowing of its LUMEN.Catheter Coronary Angiogram Recommended. No other significant abnormality
Now my father is adamant for not having catheter coronary angiogram done. Would 2D Echo - cardiogram with doppler help. He takes walk and has medicines prescribed by cardiac regularly alongwith ayurvedic medicines.
PLEASE HELP!
Angiogram is when the doctors go up through your groin into your heart, use some dye, and checked for blocked arteries. Sometimes they check the pressure in the valves. A mild sedative is given before to relax you. It will definitely show if there is anything wrong with your heart and it is worth it. If they see blocked arteries they may choose to stent them to keep them open at that time.
CT 64 slice scan angiogram will include the anatomy of the vessels, chest, and aorta vessel (ascending, arch and descending). The scan will show any layers of soft plaque outside the lumen, and it is the soft plaque that has a higher risk of rupturing, clotting and causing an MI. The scan and stress test are about equal in determing the plaque within the lumen that may cause ischemia (blocked, partially blocked vessels.
What can be ruled out with a ct angiogram? Can we see what the EF is ? Also can they find any abnormalities in the shap of the heart? And can they see any major valve regurgitatiOn? I'm concerned ? Because some people rather have a conventional angiogram and don't see a ct angiogram useful and I would like to know why??
Went to family physician who was concerned and suggested nuclear stress test or CAT angiogram and gave me a choice. He ruled out blood work to look for enzymes. He told me the CAT would require prior insurance approval and recommended nuclear stress test. Like the EKG's I am sure that nothing will show up on the stress test. Should I save the insurance co pays etc and go straight to CAT angiogram?
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Hi Ken-thanks for responding-have you had an angiogram? My cardiologist put me on im (time released nitrates) in addition to the toprol xl (beta blocker) & said if the angina & SOB continued he wants to do an angiogram-if you did have an angiogram how did they decide when to do it?
My father is going in for an angiogram. The cardio MD said that he is very conservative and that unless the tests indicate there is a blockage of 80% or more, he wouldn't recommend the stent insertion.
This percentage sounds high before action is taken. Your opinion?
In lieu of stents, would medication such as the stations and beta blockers be appropriate or other treatments?
Thank you.
Kathy.
Also, you refer to process in discussion is a CT scan. It is a CT angiogram and involves the anatomy of vessels (cross section) and is as good as a cath angiogram and a CT scan (256 slice is 3D) is much more inclusive and can include respiratory system, the heart, aorta (ascending, arch, and descending), etc.
The only test that is the most certain except for open heart surgery is the angiogram. The angiogram will give a very good indication as to what is going on. You are female so your hormones should protect you against heart disease or at least help protect you. When you go through menopause, the LDL levels will rise quickly. Usually, that it when the problems begin for women. I would think with the cholesterol medication you could get your LDL under control. Your LDL should be down to 100.
A cath angiogram does not show the risk, but a CT scan 64 slice can/will evaluate the anatomy of vessels for the risk of a heart attack from that source (many more attacks from rupture than occluded vessels).
I am assuming the MI is ischemic (lack of blood flow to the heart). It is estimated about 26% of the heart disorder population have had a silent heart attack and are unaware. I had had a silent heart attack about 5 years ago, and the first symptom was congested heart failure.
An EKG (ECG) isn't a very could source for a prognoses. A CT angiogram scans the anatomy of the coronary vessels and scores the amount of soft plaque within the linings of the vessel. Based on the score there is a predicition of the risk to the individuals to a heart attack. The soft plaque is the condition that poses the highest risk of a heart attack as the soft plaque can break through the inner lining of the vessel and cause a blockage that results in heart attack.
To rule out the possibility of the image being in error from the scan, which can happen, it is worth the angiogram. There are different types of coronary artery anatomy, if you look up right, left and co-dominant you will see a few examples. I believe that in most cases the right artery also reaches down into the apex on one side, I know mine does according to my angiograms. However, during the angiogram I'm sure they will shoot some dye down both sides to see if there are any problems.
CT angiography is safe and highly sensitve and accurate modality for evaluation of vascular anatomy. imaging.onlinejacc.org
Thanks for your question. Take care.
I was reading up on a Magnetic Resource Angiogram, (MRA) where they inject dye into the vein in the arm and simply take pictures using magnetic imaging, no cather flowing in my arteries.
I would much rather prefer this method but I would like to know will it do a good enough job in detecting plaque build up in arteries as a Coronary Catherization?
For the last hour or so, I've been feeling a pulsating in what I believe is my abdominal aorta (source: I'm taking Anatomy and Physiology II). I don't have any other symptoms of an aortic aneurysm (no chest/back pain or difficulty breathing; just the weird feeling that comes along with your abdominal aorta pulsating). Is this still a reason to worry? What else could be causing this pulsation feeling?
In response to another thread....Don't be confused! An "angio" (angiogram) is by definition an evaluation of the coronary arteries with a contrast medium.
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