Unfortunately, I made an error in first post...I do know the difference between angioplasty and an angiogram. I tried to make a corrrection in my second post and inartfully referred specifically to just an angiogram (cath vs. CT scan). Prit's father had had a CT angiogram and now the doctor wanted to do a cath angiogram.
CT scan 64-slice angiogram as well as a cath angiogram is by definition an angiogram as both involve a dye injection, but there is more intense radiation exposure with CT angiogram. It is fast becoming the radiological test of choice to look at disease of blood vessels. The next generation of a ct scan will reduce the individual's radiation exposure.
The ct angiogram involves an assessment of the body of the vessels as well as the lumen.
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.
My husband was advised to have a heart cath based on ECG findings. He is 71 yo, non smoker, n/l cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure is normal. No family history of heart disease. Heavy drinker 3-4 days week.
This discussion is related to <a href="/posts/Heart-Disease/Hypercholesterolemia-vs-Hyperlipidemia/show/867414">Hypercholesterolemia vs. Hyperlipidemia</a>.
Not to be critical as I beleive Lutheran meant to say cath angiogram. Both cath or CT angiogram use contract dye to view perfusion, and that procedure is the definition of angiogram.
A CT scan 64/128 views the anatomy of the 4 main heart vessels and will show any soft plaque between the linings of the vessel as well as any plaque buildup in the lumen. The cath angiogram views the lumen for the plaque that narrows and obstructs blood flow causing angina (chest pain).
I have talked to someone who suffered an internal puncture during a heart cath procedure and had to have immediate open-heart surgery to have it repaired. The risk of something like that's happening is very, very low, but it is not zero. Likewise, the risk of cancer from a 4th ct scan is very, very low, but it is not zero. If the choice of cath vs. CT-A is your choice to make, then I suggest you take the risk that personally bothers you the least.
Hi I had a Heart cath done in June of 2008 every thing was perfect but I still have the pain and I am constantly worried that it is my heart. What are the chances that it still could be my heart? I also had all the other cardiac work up done. and everything was fine.
Thank you.
This discussion is related to <a href='/posts/show/571652'>Time for another Heart Catheterization?</a>.
An angiogram can be performed with a cath (intervention with a probe through the leg vessel to the heart), or ct scan (best is a 128 slice) that views the blood flow (dye has been injected) through the coronary arteries.
There isn't a high risk with a cath, and it is not painful, but have an understanding with the doctor whether or not your father wants a stent implant if there is some blockage, and whether the stent(s) are drug coated or not (obtain an opinon what the doctor prefers).
I have had a ct scan angiogram and cath. My ct scan was more inclusive as it took images of the lungs, heart and thorax. It showed the complete anatomy of the heart vessels that included any soft plaque within the lining of the vessel. The ct software scored the soft plaque and evaluated the risk of a rupture. It also discloses any hard plaque within the lumen (vessel channel).
The cath views the lumen for plaque, and has the ability to determine gradient pressures of chambers and vessels..
An angiogram (CT or cath) test examines the coronary arteries for any blockage. Blocked coronary ateries compromise the blood flow to the heart tissues. A lack of blood flow to the heart cells causes chest pains. If there are blockages, a stent implant (usually done at time of angiogram) will increase the diameter of the occlusion/occlusions permitting more blood to the deficit area. Sometimes the area of blockage can not be stented because of location, tortuous segment, too long, etc...
Im not sure what you mean by a heart cath? do you mean an angiogram using a catheter? If so, all procedure carry a risk, it is not possible to tell you that any surgery
is 100% safe. However, the odds of anything going wrong with catheter based surgery
is very slim. I was told there was a 6% chance of a problem, and a 2% chance of the stent closing within one year. Now two years later I have had 4 angiograms and the stent is still very good but most importantly, Im still here.
Vessel occlusion can be identified by a CT angiogram or the invasive procedure by a cath angiogram. Neither test has 100% sensitivity rating, but quite good. Also an EKG can indicate ischemia (lack of blood flow to the heart) that may be due to a vessel blockage.
Usually, the tests aren't given unless there is chest pain, shortness of breath, etc., but if there is a family history of CAD and heart problems the testing for plague occluding vessels may be appropriate.
Several months ago I had a CT angiogram 128 slice and that does not have the risk associated with a cath angiogram or any other cath intervention and the risks includes blood clots (responded recently to post with that condition), there can be infection at the site of the cath penetration, there can be rupture of the vessel lining, etc. The cath angiogram has the advantage of a stent implant at the time of the procedure.
I suspect that the insurance company felt that a heart cath wasn't needed. An angiogram is generally performed within 30 minutes of an indication of a heart attack.
That being said, stress over 'Why' is not an issue, you are going to have a big surgery and worrying about the 'Why' at this stage is counter-productive. How can those of us who have experienced bypass surgery help you?
An angiogram is a test that injects a contrast dye into the blood stream and takes images of heart vessel blood flow. An interventional angiogram is with a cath, a CT scan 64 slice angiogram is almost as good as a cath and can be a test of choice.
There should be some concern as the condition if not treated can develop into heart failure, arrhythmia, etc.
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