Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, yet many people still misunderstand one of the most commonly performed cardiac procedures: angiography. According to experts, this is a widespread myth that undergoing an angiography automatically means a patient will need a stent or surgery. “In reality, angiography is a diagnostic test - not a treatment,” said Dr. Anshuman Kaushal, Robotic GI surgeon.
“As a surgeon, I can tell you that some of the most dangerous words in medicine are not heart attack, they are ‘I might have gas and acidity’ and ‘I will consult a doctor tomorrow’,” he added. Dr. Kaushal says it is important to understand how angiography can help patients make informed decisions about their heart health and seek timely medical care when symptoms arise.
Also read:A Simple Blood Test Before Marriage Could Save Your Child From a Lifelong Genetic Disease
Coronary angiography is a medical procedure that allows doctors to visualize the arteries supplying blood to the heart. Using a special dye and X-ray imaging, cardiologists can identify blockages, determine their location, and assess their severity.
The information obtained from angiography helps determine the most appropriate treatment plan. Depending on the findings, patients may require lifestyle changes, medications, angioplasty with stent placement, bypass surgery, or simply reassurance that their arteries are healthy. In other words, angiography provides answers; it does not automatically lead to intervention. “The biggest mistake people make is that they think angiography is a treatment. While it is an investigation, a map. And if you do not know where the blockage is and how many arteries are affected, then how will the treatment be decided?” he added.
Doctors say angiography provides answers to heart issue but does not lead to intervention
This is perhaps the most common misconception. Many patients undergo angiography and discover that their blockages can be effectively managed with medications and lifestyle modifications alone. A stent is recommended only when medically necessary.
While angiography is frequently performed after a heart attack, it is also used to investigate symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, abnormal stress test results, or suspected coronary artery disease before a major cardiac event occurs.
Not all chest discomfort is related to digestive issues. Recurrent chest heaviness, pressure during physical activity, unexplained sweating, fatigue, or breathlessness may be warning signs of reduced blood flow to the heart.
Modern angiography is a minimally invasive procedure. In many hospitals, it is performed through the wrist artery (radial artery), takes less than 30 minutes, and patients are often discharged the same day or within 24 hours.
Source: India Latest News, Breaking News Today, Top News Headlines | Times Now
