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Cardiovascular disease has become more prevalent in India, requiring timely and accurate diagnosis to avoid serious complications. CT Angiography (CTA) and MR Angiography (MRA) are advanced imaging tests that are extremely helpful in the assessment of blood flow and the early detection of blockages.
Patients at Sarvesh Health City benefit from state-of-the-art cardiac imaging equipment and the expertise of doctors who guide them in selecting the most suitable test with proper medical assistance.
This article will help you understand the distinctions between CT and MR angiography so you can make an informed decision and choose from the two alternatives suitable for your medical condition. We are also discussing the importance of expert consultation at the best cardiology hospital in Hisar.
What Is Angiography?
Angiography is a medical technique for imaging that gives a closer look at blood vessels and blood circulation. Physicians resort to angiography mainly in case of narrowing, blockage, or abnormal structure in arteries or veins. The presence of symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, leg pain during walking, dizziness, or even stroke symptoms can prompt the doctor to advise angiography.
Nowadays, due to the latest angiography methods such as CTA and MRA, you don’t have to worry about the surgical nature of the procedure because they are non-invasive (no operation). They are capable of producing very detailed, 3D images of the vessels, which can help doctors to diagnose the condition accurately and get proper treatment.
Understanding CT Angiography (CTA)
CT Angiography (CTA) generates pictures of arteries and veins with the help of a high-tech X-ray machine along with a contrast dye. While the procedure, the patient is made to lie on a motorized table that slides through a CT scanner. A contrast dye, usually an iodine-based one, is given through a vein to make the blood vessels stand out clearly in the scan.
One of the reasons CTA is so popular is its speed and the level of detail it provides. It is a lifesaver in situations where timely diagnosis is urgently needed. CTA is capable of giving the most accurate pictures of the heart arteries, and thus, it is the first-line investigation to find blockages, aneurysms, or narrowing of the vascular system.
Some of the common reasons for which a doctor may order a CTA include:
- Coronary artery disease
- Aortic aneurysms
- Pulmonary embolism
- Peripheral arterial disease
While a CTA exposes a patient to radiation, new imaging equipment uses carefully monitored, low-dose radiation to ensure patient safety.
Understanding MR Angiography (MRA)
MR Angiography (MRA) is an imaging test that shows blood vessels without the use of X-rays. The MRI machine uses magnetic fields and radio waves that generate high-resolution images by aligning hydrogen atoms to produce detailed images of the brain’s vascular system. Where necessary, a contrast may be given; however, the majority of MRA procedures can be done without it.
One of the major benefits of MRA is that there is no radiation involved, which makes it a great option for people who need to have a lot of scans or are sensitive to radiation. Also, MRA provides high-quality soft-tissue contrast and detailed information on blood flow patterns.
In most cases, MRA is preferred for:
- Blood vessels in the brain and neck
- Congenital vascular abnormalities
- Checking renal artery
- Observing blood flow without exposing the patient to radiation
Nevertheless, if the patient has a pacemaker or certain types of implants, MRA may not be the best option.
CT vs. MR Angiography: Key Differences at a Glance
These two tests have a similar goal, but there are differences in many ways. While CT angiography is capable of producing high-resolution images quickly using X-rays and contrast dye. This makes it the best choice for coronary artery evaluation even in emergency situations. On the other hand, MRA uses magnetic fields, which allow it to provide images without radiation and with better soft tissue detail.
CTA takes only a few minutes to complete a scan, whereas MRA usually requires 20-30 minutes. Moreover, CTA always needs contrast, but MRA can be done without it. The decision is made based on the body part to be scanned, urgency, and patient characteristics.
Which Test Is Safer and Right for You?
Both CTA and MRA are quite safe if used properly under a doctor’s supervision. CTA exposes a patient to radiation, but world health authorities agree that the doses used are very minimal and safe because the diagnostic benefits outweigh the risks. Despite this, CTA is generally not allowed for pregnant women or patients with renal issues due to the issues related to contrast dye.
On the other hand, MRA does not involve radiation; thus, it is risk-free. However, it is not suitable for patients who have pacemakers, metal implants, or severe claustrophobia.
In the end, deciding which test to undergo should be done after discussion with an expert cardiologist about factors such as medical background, symptoms, urgency of diagnosis, and other existing medical conditions.
Final Thoughts
The CT and MR angiography are good imaging tests for an accurate view of vascular and heart-related issues. However, preference for a particular test varies from person to person, their health status, and the results of clinical examination.
The cardiology experts here at Sarvesh Health City offer personalized cardiac care to every patient through top-notch services. As the best cardiology hospital in Hisar, you can contact us for any medical and cardiac emergencies and get timely intervention.
FAQs
Q1. Is CT angiography painful?
Ans. CTA is a comfortable procedure, however, it may give a little warm sensation after injecting contrast dye.
Q2. Does MR angiography always require contrast dye?
Ans. No, most often MRA scans are feasible without contrast, which mainly depends on the body area to be examined.
Q3. Which test is better for detecting heart artery blockages?
Ans. In the majority of cases, CT angiography is preferred for evaluating coronary artery disease.
Q4. How do doctors decide between CTA and MRA?
Ans. Medical professionals decide which test to perform by evaluating symptoms, urgency, medical background, safety considerations, and the purpose of the diagnosis.
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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!