What Is the Difference Between Angioplasty and Angiography?

Cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease (CAD) are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Two standard procedures used to diagnose and treat CAD are angiography and angioplasty in the heart. While the two procedures sound similar, they have distinct differences in their purpose, process, and outcomes.

What Is Angiography?

Angiography is a diagnostic procedure that uses X-rays and a contrast agent to visualize the inside of blood vessels. During the procedure, the doctor will insert a catheter (a thin tube) into an artery, usually in the groin or arm, and guide it to the area of interest. Then, the contrast agent is injected through the catheter to highlight the blood vessels on X-ray images.

Heart specialists in Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, and worldwide use angiography to identify blockages or narrowing of the arteries, evaluate blood flow, and identify any abnormalities such as an aneurysm. The procedure is usually outpatient and typically takes around 30-60 minutes. Patients may experience minor discomfort, but it is generally safe and well-tolerated.

What Is Angioplasty?

Angioplasty in the heart is a therapeutic procedure that cardiologists use to open up blocked or narrowed blood vessels. During the procedure, a catheter with a small balloon on the end is inserted into the affected artery. The balloon is then inflated, pushing the plaque (fatty deposits) against the artery’s walls and opening up the vessel. In some cases, a stent (a small mesh tube) may be inserted to help keep the artery open.

Angioplasty is often performed immediately after an angiogram when a blockage is identified. The procedure is usually done under local anesthesia, and patients are typically kept overnight for observation. It is generally considered safe, although there is a risk of complications such as bleeding, infection, or damage to the blood vessel.

What Is the Difference Between Angiography and Angioplasty?

While angiography and angioplasty are both procedures used to diagnose and treat cardiovascular disease, they have distinct differences.

Purpose: The purpose of angiography is to diagnose and evaluate the extent of cardiovascular disease. It is a diagnostic tool used to identify blockages and narrowing in the blood vessels. On the other hand, angioplasty is a therapeutic procedure used to open up blocked or narrowed blood vessels to improve blood flow.

Procedure: Angiography involves inserting a catheter into an artery and injecting a contrast agent to visualize the blood vessels on X-ray images. Angioplasty involves inserting a catheter with a small balloon on the end into the affected artery to open up the vessel.

Outcomes: Angiography does not have a direct impact on blood flow or cardiovascular health. However, it provides important information that can guide treatment decisions. Angioplasty, on the other hand, has a direct impact on blood flow and can improve cardiovascular health by opening up blocked or narrowed vessels.

Conclusion

Angiography and angioplasty in the heart are two different procedures used to diagnose and treat cardiovascular disease. Angiography is a diagnostic tool used to visualize blood vessels and identify blockages and narrowing, while angioplasty is a therapeutic procedure used to open up blocked or narrowed blood vessels to improve blood flow. Understanding the differences between these procedures can help patients make informed decisions about their cardiovascular health.

Dr. C Raghu is regarded as one of the best cardiologists in India who specializes in interventional procedures like CHIP angioplasty. If you or anyone you know needs to undergo angioplasty in the heart, make sure you reach out to Dr. Raghu today.