Angiogram Procedure

A coronary angiogram procedure is needed to assess for a variety of health conditions. Needing any form of medical procedure can be a stressful time and an angiogram is no exception. When undergoing this procedure, you want the best doctor possible to ensure you get the best care for your health. The doctors at Harley Street are highly experienced in angiography procedures and are expertly trained in providing you with the best service at the time when you need it most.

What Is An Angiogram Procedure?

Angiogram procedures can vary in complexity which determines how long they will take and what the recovery stage looks like. Typically, this procedure can take anywhere between 30 minutes and 2 hours. Most patients are able to go home the same day, but certain cases require you to stay overnight in the hospital before being dismissed. The procedure is performed whilst under local anaesthetic.

The procedure involves carefully feeding a catheter into your arteries and requires a skilled and experienced doctor to conduct it.

Why An Angiogram Procedure Is Done?

As you probably now understand, an angiogram procedure is no simple task and your doctor will only recommend it when necessary. It helps your doctor to diagnose conditions that affect your blood vessels and the flow of blood through them. The main reason for an angiogram is to assess for coronary artery disease (blockages). In addition to the above, an angiogram can be recommended in planning procedures like angioplasty and stenting or surgery.

What Is The Difference Between An Angiogram And An Angioplasty?

An angiogram is done to look at the blood vessels and see if there are any blockages. An angioplasty is often done right after an angiogram to treat a blockage. This is done during the same procedure. During an angioplasty, a wire is pushed through the catheter and down past the blockage. Then a balloon is pushed over the wire. The balloon is inflated to open a blockage and a metal stent can be put in place to hold the artery open.

Benefits Of Angiogram Procedure

There are numerous benefits to an angiogram procedure though in many cases, the procedure itself is often more of a requirement by your doctor.

Accurate Diagnosis

A coronary angiogram procedure is the gold standard for accurately diagnosing coronary artery disease.

Treatment Planning

As an angiogram procedure can provide your doctor with a great deal of information on the current health of your body, it is ideal for treatment planning. With this information, your doctor can make a well-informed decision on what next steps to take and how best to take care of your health and body.

Choosing The Right Medical Professional For Your Angiogram Procedure

When undergoing an angiogram procedure, you need a doctor who understands your situation. The procedure itself is typically conducted by a senior doctor specialized in cardiology. Before agreeing to the procedure, researching your doctor and speaking to them will help to give you additional confidence going forward with it.

Head over to the Angiogram Procedure article page on The Harley Street Heart and Vascular Centre's website for more information on this article.