They just wanted to do an Angiogram to see if there were any problems. That is when they found the blockages. My Dr,s were shocked to find them. I had 1 stent put in, and an Angioplasty in the other due to I need a 2 mm stent that is drug eluding, but it is currently not availiab... Since then 11/04 , the stent is now offered. My symptoms have improved, and I feel no pain. Is it wise to still have the stent placed?
Thank you for your detailed response. You are obviously well versed in all the possibilities.
My CBC was perfect in April. My regular Dr is very thorough and I've never had a thyroid problem and only slight anemia when I was younger. I know the heart Dr immediately put me on the Coumadin (before all the testing) because of the reading from the Holter monitor and the possibility of blood clots. Same reason for the beta blocker.
Hi, I had a ct angiogram Dec 21 and my calcium score is 694. My cholesterol is 242. My doctor put me on crestor 10 mg per day. I just got the hard copy report today and my dr. is away for the holidays.... what does that score mean? I have chest pain frequently but they thought it was all in my head....
A CT angiogram is more sensitive than a straight forward angiogram. They both rely on a radioactive substance being injected into your blood stream and it's this which the scanners pick up. If a CT angiogram doesn't reveal a vessel, then no way will an angiogram.
I had a vein that was closed after a bypass procedure and they looked for 30 minutes in a standard angiogram procedure to try and find it.
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.
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.
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.
I had a nuclear stress test that may have showed an issue in my right coronary artery. I have no angina and excellent exercise ability. My cardio suggested to get an angiogram to see if it really blocked or just a false positive. I'm scared of the angiogram. Isn't the new 64 slice CT scan just as good to detect blockages as the invasive angiogram?
im schedule for this test in two weeks and im not sure if im making the right choice, actually 64 ct scan is the only choice i have and i feel i should take it.Also does the 64 slice ct angiogram show EF calculation and does it show any possible Valve regurgition or valve abnormalitties and or possible LVH ?
s father had had a CT angiogram and now the doctor wanted to do a cath angiogram. I meant to say and said the cath angiogram was unnecessary unless it was agreed and understood that there would in all probablity be angioplasty (stent, balloon) with a cath angiogram. there is a higher than expected probability there would be a stent implanted with a cath angiogram ...there are statistics available).
I saw a new cardiologist at a different hospital and he thinks I should have a CT Angiogram.. A CT Angiogram is a none invasive procedure, it takes 3d pictures of the heart using a ct scane 64 slice method. The scane can pic up blocked blood flow and narrow blood vessels.. But I would like to know witch one of the two is more reliable test.. Considering I had a negative nuclear stress test.. Will the ct angiogram be a more persised test at pinpointing and finding a possible problem..
I have a history of high cholesterol and am currently on a cholesterol reducing medication as well as a medication to reduce blood pressure. I was offered several options as the next step and opted for a CT angiogram. Given my other results, should I have gone directly to the more conventional angiogram in spite of the slightly greater risk? If there is a good chance that I will need an angiogram anyway, am I not putting myself at risk by going through another step?
i know this might be the right forum for my question, but i know many in here have implants that requier ongoing ct scans. Is 4 ct scans to many? i agree this ct angiogram is needed because my symptoms are not tolerable anymore. ill be paying for this ct angiogrm out of pocket because my health imsurance wont cover, and also i had a heated argument with the cardiologist from my inssurance. is 4 ct scans excesive?
Hi, a CT angiogram is noninvasive as compared to the traditional angiogram and is usually the preferred mode of investigation. CT angiograms will expose you to a small amount of radiation. If you have known coronary artery disease, a traditional coronary angiogram may be a better option, since you can also receive treatment for your artery blockages during a traditional coronary angiogram.
Just a comment about going for an angiogram....can you ask to do a high speed CT scan with contrast....this is a non-invasive procedure compared to an angiogram and except for a dye reaction certainly has less risk. Provided almost as much information as angiogram. The CT scan can also give you a calcium score which may be helpful.
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...
A CT scan 64 slice or larger scores calcium deposits with the software associated with the angiogram. I had a CT angiogram and after a coronary calcium scan, you'll get a calcium score called an Agatston score. The score is based on the amount of calcium found in your coronary arteries and not the lumen (vessel channel). The significance of this calcium buildup is the high probability of that plaque breaking into the lumen causing a clot.
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 believe that the amount of radiation exposure is much higher with ct over a standard angiogram. Everyone talks about risks, but if you want clear results, an angiogram is the best option. If your CT shows a blockage, you will have to go for an angiogram anyway. The risks are very small indeed with an angiogram.
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