Angiogram or ct scan?

My husband had a medical checkup this morning and was found to have a heart abnormality, with a strong possibility that he had an arterial blockage. The cardiologist explained that he could have either an angiogram or a ct scan in order to investigate the condition further, but recommended an angiogram. His reasoning was that if a blockage was found during this procedure, then an angioplasty (sp?) could be performed at the same time.

My husband is only 41 years' old, has never had any health problems, is not overweight and exercises regularly. This condition was only picked up because of the checkup.

What are the risks of an angiogram? Is it better to have a ct scan instead?. What are the risks of an angioplasty? Will he have any problems recovering from either of these procedures?

If he has the angioplasty, does this mean he will not have a heart attack in the future?

Does anyone have some advice for us?

The reason I am asking this, is that he had the test overseas (as the health care where we live is not very advanced) and hasn't returned yet, so we haven't had a detailed discussion about it yet. And since the news was so completely unexpected, I got panicky. Thanks to everyone for answering.

Does he have heart problems in his family.. could be a hereditary thing for him.. An angiogram is where they introduce a catheter into his groin (usually, but sometimes they use the wrist) and they inject dye that goes into the heart and can show the doc exactly where the blockage is... angioplasty is where they push the plaque against the side of the arterial wall or remove it in some way in order to allow blood to flow freely through the vessel. The recovery time is usually quick... kind of the same as a heart catherization if you are familiar with that... there are risks with every invasive procedure that you have... a ct scan will be less invasive and will usually not require any recovery time...
Just because he has the angioplasty does not ensure that he will not have problems in the future...
It you and your husbands decision, ultimately, so if you have anymore question about it... i would make another appointment with the doctor and have him answer all of your questions and explain the risks and benefits of both procedures... good luck...

this may help.... http://www.vascularweb.org/_CONTRIBUTION...
http://health.yahoo.com/ency/healthwise/...

I can't believe you didn't ask the doctor all of these questions. Shame.

I WOULD DO WHAT THE CARDIOLOGIST SUGGESTED AND TO THE ANGIO. LIKE HE SAID THEY COULD DO SOMETHING THEN..
BTW, NEITHER PROCEDURE GUARANTEES THAT A MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION WILL BE UNAVOIDABLE NOR DOES IT SAY IT WILL HAPPEN, BUT HAVING A HEART BLOCKAGE MAKES A HEART ATTACK A TICKING BOMB.

Usually the first test for blocked arteries would be a treadmill stress test. If that shows positive, then the Dr. would follow-up with an angiogram. Have never heard of using a C.T. scan for blocked arteries.

An echocardiogram will show all heart motion, but not effect of arterial blockages.

Angiogram will show all blood flow issues, which is what the doctor suspects. Its is very low risk of complication. I've had four. An angioplasty will repair that particular blockage(s) that are found. He could still get more later.

I have many, and I'm slim and athletic. Already had a triple bypass. Bad diet, or one low in very healthy foods can also set one up for blockages. That was my story.

I had an angio last november...came out just fine. Never got to get stents as I was found to have a few blockages. And yes, even with an angioplasty you are still at risk for a heart attack/stroke. But with meds and good doc care, it could be prevented. I have to have a triple bypass heart surgery and i am literally horrified. I am only 34 years old with a husband and 2 young children. Good luck and you are in my prayers.

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