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Top 7 Myths About Angiography – Debunked by Experts

top-7-myths-about-angiography-debunked-by-experts

top-7-myths-about-angiography-debunked-by-experts

Heart disease continues to be one of the leading health concerns globally, and a lack of timely diagnosis is the main reason why most of the complications are happening. Out of various diagnostic methods, coronary angiography is the gold standard for the exact visualization of artery blockages in the heart.

But a lot of patients, surrounded by the misconception about angiography, refuse to have this procedure. In this article, experts from our cardiology department at Sarvesh Health City, the best cardiology hospital in Hisar, share insights that separate fact from fiction.

Let’s uncover the misunderstanding about angiography and discard the myths so you can make the right decision for your heart ‍‌‍‍‌health.

Understanding Coronary Angiography and Its Importance

Coronary‍‌‍‍‌ angiography is a technique used to identify the state of the coronary arteries, which is also known as cardiac catheterization. It is a method where a doctor inserts a thin tube inside a blood vessel, usually from the wrist or groin, and injects a contrast dye that outlines the coronary arteries under X-ray examination. 

This helps in finding out complete or partial blockage of the vessels or any other pathological changes due to heart diseases or heart attack. The procedure involves:

  • Preparing the patients by giving the mild sedative and a local anesthetic to ensure comfort.
  • Inserting catheter gently towards the heart.
  • Taking X-ray pictures (angiograms) while the dye is flowing into the arteries.
  • Finally, cardiologists study these pictures to find out the degree of blockage and suggest the most appropriate ‍‌‍‍‌therapy.

Myth 1: Angiography can detect every type of heart problem

Fact: The angiography is a very effective procedure for confirming the blockage of the major coronary arteries, but not enough to detect all types of heart diseases.

For example, microvascular angina or any other disease of the small blood vessels may not be detected by an angiogram, nor does it assess the arteries function at a microscopic level.

This means a “normal” angiography result doesn’t always guarantee that the heart is completely healthy. If symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath persist despite a normal report, further evaluation is needed.

Myth 2: Angioplasty or angiography is only for older people

Truth: Coronary blockages can happen to anyone at any age, notably among people with risk factors like high cholesterol, diabetes, overweight, or lack of physical activity. Young adults are getting coronary artery disease more and more because of the stress and bad lifestyle.

Whether angiography is required is determined by symptoms and test results, not age. Doctors at Sarvesh Health City evaluate each patient personally and thus they decide that the intervention is only closest when it is really ‍‌‍‍‌needed.

Myth 3: Angiography always means you need surgery

Fact: First of all, Angiography is basically a diagnostic procedure, which means that it is not necessarily followed by a surgical operation or angioplasty. This imaging technique is utilized to determine the location and the degree of blockages.

Many patients do not require surgical treatment and are able to maintain their cardiac condition through lifestyle changes, dietary modifications, medications, and regular check-ups. The use of stents or bypass surgery is the option only in very few instances, for example, when the blockages are extensive or the patient experiences chest pain ‍‌‍‍‌continuously.

Myth 4: Angiography is painful

Fact: It is hard to believe that it can be painless when a tube is being inserted into an artery, but the truth is, the patient is given local anesthesia. Therefore, patients almost always report that they only feel a little pressure or a warm feeling when the contrast dye is injected.

The time interval is normally 15 to 30 minutes and the patients are at ease all the time. The majority of the people are astonished at how easy and pain-free the procedure ‍‌‍‍‌is.

Myth 5: All blockages found during angiography must be opened immediately

Fact:  Treatment for all blockages is not necessary immediately. Generally, a blockage that is causing a reduction in blood flow and is more than 70% is the one for which angioplasty will be done.

Very often, minor blockages can be controlled by medications, dietary changes, and lifestyle enhancements. At the Cardiology Department of Sarvesh Health City, the team of doctors make the decision about the treatment after a thorough review of the patient’s cardiac function, symptoms, and risk factors, thus providing personalized care.

Myth 6: Angiography can replace all other heart tests and be used as a routine screening tool

Fact: A lot of people think that angiography is the final test that should be done, even if there are no symptoms. However, the truth is quite different.

Coronary angiography is done using a catheter to find the source of what blocks the vessels in patients who have undergone the non-invasive tests (ECG, echocardiography), and their results show the signs of heart disease.

Randomly subjecting everyone to angiography, particularly those who are at low risk, may end up being a bad decision in some instances. The reason is that the procedure entails emission of radiation and injection of contrast dye, and, likewise, it may be the cause of unnecessary anxiety or ‍‌‍‍‌interventions.

Myth 7: It takes a long time to recover after angiography

Truth: Modern angiography technique offers a quick recovery due to the minimally invasive processes, allowing patients to go home on the same day or within 24 hours, depending on their general state.

After the procedure, the only necessity is to keep the insertion site clean and it is recommended to refrain from heavy activities for a short period. Most of the time, it is possible to return to the usual lifestyle with few restrictions within a couple of ‍‌‍‍‌days.

Final Thoughts

Angiography is an essential instrument that makes it possible for cardiologists to locate the source of a problem with the heart quickly and precisely. Misleading yourself by myths or postponing the test due to fear will eventually increase the chances of having a severe heart condition.

The expert cardiologists’ team at Sarvesh Health City, the best cardiology hospital in Hisar, assures every patient is granted the topmost standard of care, right from the diagnosis stage till recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q 1. Is coronary angiography safe for elderly patients?

Ans.   Definitely. It is a low-risk and safe procedure for all ages, seniors included. When seniors are well-prepared and closely supervised, the chance of complication remains very small.

Q 2. How long does it take to recover after an angiography?

Ans.  Today most people get discharged on the same day or at most the day after a short hospital stay. The resumption of light work is commonly possible within 24–48 hours.

Q 3. What precautions should be taken after angiography?

Ans.   Keep away from heavy exercising for some days, drink water to eliminate the contrast, and be sure to take the medicines and care for the wound as the doctor advises.

Q 4. When should one consult a cardiologist for angiography?

Ans.   Talk to a cardiologist if you are suffering from a combination of signs such as chest pain that lasts, shortness of breath, or fatigue that cannot be explained, especially if you carry risk factors like diabetes or high blood pressure.

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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