You will also be given a few pills before the procedure, to thin your blood and lower the risk of clotting. In the UK we are given around 600mg of Plavix, That's 8x75mg pills, but some countries give 300mg. If you have any questions about the procedure, please ask, we have lots of experience to share. I promise you, nothing hurts and it is over before you know it.
Shri,
In CT angiogram, dye is injected via IV (similar to drips) where as standard angio catheter is inserted through veins which allows doctor navigate to heart vesseks to see the picture clearly and record the arteries pressure and other details more clearly. Standard angio procedure carries 1% risk and the risk includes damages of some muscles etc. Strictly speaking it is your family decision.
An angiogram is a procedure that images a contrast agent that passes through the vessels during rest and then with exertion to observe if there is any obstruction. There shouldn't be any risk with a CT scan, and if the procedure is with a cath the risk may be a problem at the entery site (groan) as a diabetic may have some difficuty with the healing process other risks are minimal i.e. rupture, uncontrolled bleeding, etc. Doctors are quickly available if there is a problem.
I am going through this procedure. I just want to know how helpful a ct angiogram is in finding potential life threatting coronary artery disease.. Has anyone had this exam before with false negative results.. I would hat to submite myself to so much radiation exposure and still not have a final clear diagnosis.
hey my dad is suppose to go in for an angiogram but he fears what might happen to him if he does. i was wondering if there was possible any alternative procedure or something else he could possibly do.
Ed34 has given excellent advice. I've also had five angiograms, it's a very low risk procedure, and the benefits are great. Procede with confidence.
A nuclear stress test is about 85% accurate in finding CAD whereas a angiogram is 100% accurate. The angiogram also carries a 1 - 3% risk of complications, the most common risk, although very rare, is having an artery dissected during the procedure which results in emergency bypass surgery. Having said that, if I was told I needed one I would do it without hesitation. It is the gold standard of heart tests to determine if CAD is present.
I understand your question is subsequent to the procedure, but if it occurs subsequent there could be a risk of having a coughing spell during the procedure. I have never heard the contrast dye or IV has caused a cough, but some individuals under specific circumstances could have the coughing episode as you describe.
Thanks for your question, maybe someone else has an answer or the experience.
Have the angiogram because it is low risk and will give a great view of your arteries. During the same procedure, if possible, they can also fix a blockage if one exists. I would emphasise that you want the catheter put into your arm rather than your leg because there is then no risk of bleeding or infection.
I'm having a CT angiogram Thursday. It avoids an interventional procedure that has some risk. X-ray exposture presents some risk for cancer, but my non-interventional cardiologist feels a CT angiogram is sufficient and I'm not disputing his recommendation. I had a cath angiogram and a stent 4 years ago, there was no problem as I was in a hospital setting for 3-4 days. However, some people experience a bleeding problem at the site of the cath insertion and pain that lasts several days.
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....
ve had many of them. The drive to the hospital tomorrow carries a bigger risk of death than the procedure. You will be completely relaxed going in for the procedure, be ready for a cold room, but usually they will give you warm blankets.
I hope you post the results of the procedure. Keep us informed.
The procedure is not entirely risk free. In the right hands, it is a reasonably safe procedure, and is surprisingly easy to get through. Moreover, the benefit is usually finding out whether you need more work or not, something you no doubt need to do, and something which would normally easily justify the risks. When I did it, the doctor played music and cracked jokes. Didn't feel a thing. Bring a friend or family member for sure. Also, choose your doctor wisely.
nuclear stress test 1 week ago showed restricted blood flow. Angiogram done. One of the grafts has backed up blood which is restricting flow. Doc said may get better with exercise or stent the original blocked artery which is a 5 yr old stent on right side that is 90% blocked. Unsure what to do grafts on left side are doing great. What do u think Bill S.
If you want my truthful opinion, I would go for the angiogram. This is because of two things. First the there are risks, but driving a car carries risks, as does crossing the road. Life is full of risk. However, the risk for Angiogram is tiny. Let's say you go for the CT-64 slice, which my Cardiologists have all hated, and they find that there is a blockage which warrants further investigation, you will still need an angiogram after.
The only true test, which is a procedure, is the angiogram. My mom had the nuclear stress test and was told that it was not bad and a few months later she was totally plugged in two main arteries and about 99 percent plugged in the other. Have you had an echocardiogram yet? An echocardiogram can check the heart valves.
hello, i had a heart catherization procedure 4 weeks ago. All went well and looks like everything is healing fine. I had a bruise near the groin area that went away and the tiny little lump i had right under where they poked is going away. However, the artery next to the poked area is still a little swolen. It has not gotten bigger, but seems like it is taking to long. Shouldn't the artery swell go down by now? I am not in pain and going to work and even taking walks.
Hello Padma,
Sorry to learn about your dad. I had a CT angiogram for heart this week. Compared to a regular angiogram or catheterization , the CT angiogram can be considered a noninvasive procedure. However, in your dad's case the CT angiogram may also be considered risky because of kidney problems. His kidneys may not be able to deal with the dye used for CT angiogram. I am not a doctor so here I am just giving advice based on my on experience.
I have read thousands of posts and there are very few that have an angiogram for suspected occlusions that does not get a stent during the procedure. The cardiologist may see a 60 percenter, and stent for whatever reason even for the money! The stats indicate there are many patients that receive stent implants who may have done well with medication therapy. I would never suggest you or anyone should have relied on medication and not have stent implants.
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