Photo by Casimiro PT for Shutterstock.
You have probably heard the word “angiogram” if you have been in conversations regarding cardiac and more specifically, artery health. A bypass surgery is what is usually done to patients in a more extreme need for plaque removal, but a lot of times a procedure that can be done is called an angioplasty. But, before an angioplasty can be done, your doctor will perform an angiogram to see which exact arteries are blocked. Here is the breakdown of an angiogram process as well as some indications that it would be wise to get one.
How an Angiogram Is Performed
There are two types of angiograms: coronary and peripheral. Both are preliminary procedures to angioplasties. Coronary angioplasties are when images of your heart’s arteries are captured and a peripheral one shows the arteries that provide blood to your legs. At Brookhaven Heart, we take images of your arteries using a cardiac catheter, and these images will tell us where you have any blockage concerns. These are done all of the time, so you needn’t have any concerns.
When to Get One
The Mayo Clinic has a very thorough analysis on the process of a coronary angiogram, as well as a detailed list of the reasons your doctor may advise you to get one. These include:
- Chest pain and other indications of coronary artery disease
- Not only pain in your chest but also in your jaw, neck, or arms that is abnormal and unexplainable.
- Congenital heart disease
- An abnormal stress test result
- Chest injury
- Blood vessel issues
- A heart valve problem that may require surgery to fix.
Angiograms are very valuable, telling procedures that your doctor can then take and proceed with whichever angioplasty method would be best for you.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
If any of the above indicators are a concern for you, we would be happy to schedule a consultation with you to discuss your symptoms. Our team of physicians are highly trained, experienced, and can be trusted with your heart’s long-term health. We have three locations in New York: Patchogue, New Hyde Park, and Hicksville. You can reach us at 631-654-3278 and can always book an appointment online.
