What is the Difference Between Angiogram and Angioplasty?

An angiogram and an angioplasty are two different medical procedures related to blood vessels, and they serve distinct purposes. Here are the main differences between the two:

Angiogram:

• It is a diagnostic procedure that uses dye and X-rays to examine blood vessels for potential blockages or narrowing.
• The main purpose is to provide a detailed picture of the arteries.
• It is often used to assess issues such as stroke, heart attack, failed stress tests, blood clots, or blockages.

Angioplasty:

• It is a treatment procedure that involves widening or unblocking an artery using a small balloon and sometimes a stent.
• The main purpose is to treat the narrowed arteries and improve blood circulation.
• It is often performed to treat regular chest pain, shortness of breath, blockages in main arteries, or blockages in branching blood vessels.

Both procedures usually involve the insertion of a catheter into an artery in the arm, groin, or foot, and the use of X-rays to guide the catheter to the targeted area. However, during angioplasty, the doctor inflates a small balloon inside the artery to widen it, and a stent is often placed within the artery to hold the artery walls apart and improve blood flow. While angiography is a diagnostic procedure, angioplasty is a treatment procedure that addresses the issue detected during angiography.

Comparative Table: Angiogram vs Angioplasty

Here is a table summarizing the differences between an angiogram and an angioplasty:

Angiogram:

• Primarily a diagnostic tool to visualize blockages and plan treatment.
• Involves injecting a contrast dye into arteries to create images of blood vessels.
• Generally a safe and painless procedure, taking about 30 minutes.
• Some risks include bruising, soreness, rare complications like severe allergy to dye, dizziness, shortness of breath, and stroke.
• Recovery is usually quick, with patients generally recovering within a week.

Angioplasty:

• A treatment procedure to widen narrowed arteries.
• Involves inserting a balloon-tipped catheter into a narrowed artery to widen it.
• Duration varies depending on the complexity of the procedure.
• Some risks include bleeding, blood clot near or inside the stent, and restenosis (re-narrowing of arteries).
• Recovery period varies, but patients can usually return to normal activities after a few days.