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CT Angiography Vs. Angiography: Which Test Is Better for Heart Blockage?

ct-angiography-vs-angiography-which-test-is-better-for-heart-blockage
ct-angiography-vs-angiography-which-test-is-better-for-heart-blockage

A correct test is a crucial tool for the diagnosis of heart conditions and two of the leading tests in that area are CT angiography (CTA) and conventional angiography. While both the tests are done to assess the blood flow and locating the blockages. However, they differ in the manner of execution and usage, and knowing these differences will enable you to communicate with your cardiologist and seek what’s best for you.  

In this article, the expert cardiologists from Sarvesh Health City, the best cardiology hospital in Hisar will guide you in finding the most appropriate diagnostic option based on your health condition and risk factors.

What Is Angiography?

Angiography is a special imaging method through which doctors visually check the blood vessels for any signs of abnormalities. As vessels are not visually distinct in normal x-rays, a contrast dye is given into the blood. The vessels are illuminated by this dye, thus letting the doctors find the narrowing, blockage, or any other vascular problems. 

Doctors may suggest an angiography:

  1. To diagnose atherosclerosis (narrowing due to plaque build-up).
  1. To find out if the patient has angina (chest pain from reduced blood flow).
  1. To detect a pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs) in the patient.
  1. An angiography will be helpful to diagnose peripheral arterial disease (reduced blood flow to arms/legs) as well.
  1. Doctors may use an angiography to locate brain aneurysms too.
  1. Explore a situation of blood supply to the kidneys or discover vascular injury after trauma.

What Is CT Angiography?

One method to capture high-detail images of the blood vessels is CT angiography, a minimally invasive form of angiography. Nevertheless, the procedure utilizes the CT and intravenous contrast dye to visualize the blood vessels, not a scanner.

When Is CT Angiography Used?

  1. To locate the areas where the blood vessels have been narrowed or blocked
  1. To locate blood clots in the brain, heart, lungs, or legs
  1. To measure vessel damage after a severe accident
  1. To check if the aneurysms or tumors is present
  1. To investigate enlarged vessels or suspected malformations

Procedure: How the Tests Are Done

Let’s have a look at the process of each diagnostic tests:

Traditional Angiography

In a traditional angiogram, you are awake but calm during the operation. You are given a sedative to relax you and local anesthesia is applied to the area that is usually the groin or wrist where the catheter will be inserted to numb the region. The process involves:

  1. Making a small cut at the insertion area. 
  1. Inserting a thin catheter through the artery towards the heart.
  1. Filling the blood vessels with a contrast dye to make it easier to see the vessels.
  1. Taking a series of X-ray images that show clearly how blood is flowing through the coronary arteries.

The whole method is normally between 30 minutes and 1 hour. If a blockage is detected, the doctor can carry out angioplasty immediately, thus making it a therapeutic procedure as well.

CT Angiography

CT angiography is a less complicated and non-invasive method which does not require a catheter to be inserted. The steps to the procedure are,

  1. Being placed on a narrow table which goes inside the CT scanner
  1. An IV line is set up in your hand or arm
  1. Contrast dye is injected (you may feel a warm sensation)
  1. The scanner takes your detailed images from different angles, sometimes a brief breath-holding is required.

Understanding the Differences and Choosing the Right Test

CTA (CT angiography) as well as angiography are done to visualize the heart and determine if the blood flow is blocked but they differe in their mechanism. Whether you should get CT angiography or traditional angiography will depend on a number of essential factors.

1. Procedure and Invasiveness

  • CTA is done without any physical intrusion and just an injection into the vein of the patient’s arm is sufficient.
  • An invasive procedure, angiography is characterized by catheter injection into the artery.

Who benefits? The usage of CTA is for patients in need of a fast and low risk diagnostic scan, whereas, on the other hand, an angiography can be carried out when the possibility of direct treatment is envisaged by the doctors.

2. Comfort and Recovery

  • CTA is a simple and quick procedure with no pain or discomfort and thus patients are allowed to resume their normal routine immediately.
  • There is a possibility of slight discomfort at the catheter insertion site in case of angiography, and the patient will be required to take a rest for a short while.

Who benefits? In terms of optimal convenience and minimal disruption, patients might prefer CTA; however, those who prefer thorough care may find it more beneficial to have a short recovery time with angiography.

3. Accuracy and Complexity of Cases

  • CTA produces detailed 3D images and is therefore reliable for completely ruling out arterial blockages in patients with low risk. On the other hand, certain individuals with heavy calcium deposits or previously placed stents may demonstrate less accurate results.
  • In difficult or ambiguous situations, angiography is still the best method as it provides the most detailed visualization of the narrowed vessels.

Who benefits? CTA is best utilized to get a picture of the patient’s routine condition but those with complex heart disease are the ones that should be referred to angiography for a correct evaluation.

4. Treatment Capability

  • CTA is an identification method only, it indicates if there is a blockage but it cannot be resolved.
  • Through angiography, doctors not only establish the diagnosis but also treat the patient by angioplasty or stent insertion in the same surgery.

Who benefits? The patients who are at a high risk of immediate intervention are usually advised to undergo angiography while CTA is the first choice if the aim is only diagnosis.

Final Thoughts

CTA would provide optimal results for a healthy individual who needs a short, non-invasive diagnostic scan. An angiography is a better option when a patient can be immediately treated or the case is too complicated for CT to offer an accurate result. The last decision hinges on the person’s condition, time sensitivity, risk factors, and individual liking and only a doctor can say after sufficient checks.

At Sarvesh Health City, the best cardiology hospital in Hisar, we are committed to providing the right diagnosis and timely treatment through individualized recommendations for each patient, thereby, promoting heart health and holistic well-being.

FAQs

Q1. Is CT angiography a safe option for patients with kidney disorders?

Ans. CT angiography involves the use of a contrast dye, which might have an effect on the kidney function. The physician will assess kidney function before the exam is advised.

Q2. How much time does it take to get back to normal after a traditional angiography?

Ans. Most of the patients are discharged on the same day but they are still recommended to rest for 24–48 hours and not to do heavy work for a few days.

Q3. Is a CT angiogram as effective as a traditional angiogram completely?

Ans. Not really. Although CTA is very good for diagnosis, traditional angiography is still necessary when a direct treatment such as angioplasty or stenting is required.

Q4. Are there any risks of radiation exposure with CTA?

Ans. Yes, but it is very small. The modern CT scanners have low-dose radiation protocols that are used to make sure the patient’s exposure is as minimal as possible.

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Abhishek-Gupta
DR.ABHISHEK GUPTA

CARDIOLOGIST

Looking for the best cardiologist in Hisar? Dr. Abhishek Gupta at Sarvesh Health City offers expert care for your heart health. Book an appointment today!