When is angioplasty suggested

Take a group of 1, people who have an angiogram. They are at risk for:. These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions. My heart medicine just isn't working as well as it used to. Although my angina is stable, I am not feeling as well as I'd like to.

I want to have the energy to play with my grandkids and the confidence to take the vacations my wife and I always planned. I've decided to have an angiogram so that my wife, my doctor, and I can make a decision about whether there may be something else that can help me. I've been taking medicines for my angina, but my symptoms are still bothering me on my walks every day. My doctor said that an angiogram could show if an angioplasty could help me feel better.

But she also said I could try a different angina medicine first and see if that helped. So I'm going to do that. I can still have the test later. My chest pain is getting so bad that I can't do my gardening. And that's my favorite thing to do. So when my doctor recommended an angiogram, I was all for it. I decided I would rather have the test, and then surgery if I need it, so I can feel better and enjoy my life. I was getting chest pain after I walked a few blocks, or even less if it was cold out.

I thought it was just my lungs, but when I saw my doctor, he said he thought it was my heart. So I took a treadmill test. Based on my results, my doctor thought I probably had some narrowing in my heart arteries. But he said it didn't seem too bad. We decided to try some medicine to see if that helps instead of having that test where they put dye in your arteries.

I have been doing well and almost never get chest pain anymore. Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements. If an artery is badly narrowed, I know I may need emergency angioplasty or surgery.

Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now. How sure do you feel right now about your decision? Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision. An angiogram can help me and my doctor decide which treatment is best for my heart disease. I may not need an angiogram if I can control my angina symptoms with medicines and I'm otherwise healthy.

Are you clear about which benefits and side effects matter most to you? Do you have enough support and advice from others to make a choice? Author: Healthwise Staff. Medical Review: Rakesh K. Wong MD - Internal Medicine. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.

Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. Updated visitor guidelines. Get the facts. Your options Have an angiogram to help decide how best to treat your coronary artery disease. Don't have an angiogram.

Key points to remember An angiogram can show if your coronary arteries are narrowed, where they are narrowed, and by how much. It can help your doctor see if a change in treatment—such as medicines, angioplasty , or coronary artery bypass surgery —can improve your angina or lower your risk of heart attack or death from heart problems.

An angiogram can't show if narrowed places in your arteries will cause a heart attack. If, during the test, your doctor sees that your arteries are badly narrowed, you may need to have an angioplasty or bypass surgery right away. So before you have the test, it's a good idea to talk with your doctor about these treatments.

Ask what the test might show and what your choices are in each case. You may not need an angiogram if you can control your angina symptoms with medicines and are otherwise healthy. The test has risks. So you may not want an angiogram if you already know that you don't want to have angioplasty or bypass surgery. What is a coronary angiogram? What is coronary artery disease? Why is an angiogram done? An angiogram can help you and your doctor decide what treatment is best for you.

You may decide to have an angiogram because: It can help your doctor see if a change in treatment might lower your risk of heart attack or death from heart problems. An angiogram can show your doctor where plaques have narrowed your arteries and if blood flow is slowed. But it can't show if these plaques will cause a heart attack. You want more relief from your angina. The test can show your doctor if a procedure or surgery could improve your symptoms.

Having the test doesn't mean that you will have an angioplasty or bypass surgery. Why might you choose not to have an angiogram? An angiogram isn't right for everyone. It's usually not suggested if you have a low risk of a heart attack or you don't have angina symptoms. You probably don't need the test if you can control your angina with medicines and lifestyle changes. You may not need it if other tests such as a cardiac stress test gave your doctor enough information to guide your treatment.

You might choose not to have the test if you already know that you don't want to have angioplasty or bypass surgery. What are the risks of an angiogram? Most people do not have problems during or after an angiogram. Other problems that can happen during or soon after an angiogram include: A tear or sudden closure in an artery.

An allergic reaction to the dye used to see the arteries. Caring for an aging parent? Tips for enjoying holiday meals. A conversation about reducing the harms of social media. Menopause and memory: Know the facts. How to get your child to put away toys. Is a common pain reliever safe during pregnancy? Can vaping help you quit smoking? Heart Health Understanding angioplasty: When you need it and when you may not March 1, Research health conditions Check your symptoms Prepare for a doctor's visit or test Find the best treatments and procedures for you Explore options for better nutrition and exercise Learn more about the many benefits and features of joining Harvard Health Online ».

Sign Me Up. Print This Page Click to Print. Heart Health. Free Healthbeat Signup Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox! Click here to learn more about other tests that are used during a diagnostic angiogram to determine the best treatment. Click here for more information about how your doctor chooses tests and click here for 5 recommendations to help you and your healthcare providers choose tests and procedures wisely. It is important to remember that even the most advanced tools are only as good as the person who uses them and his or her understanding of your unique circumstances.

An interventional cardiologist has experience and special training to guide you through the best treatment. You can do your part by asking questions and sharing as much as you can about how you are feeling and what you expect from treatment. Make an appointment with your doctor to check in and talk about your expectations for treatment, how well your current treatment is working for you, and other options that may be available to you.

You can also click here to learn more about angioplasty and stenting and here to consider the risks and benefits. Find an Interventional Cardiologist. Heart Condition Centers. When Symptoms Affect Your Quality of Life If you have stable heart disease, you are probably already working with your doctor to treat your symptoms. Is Elective Angioplasty a Good Option?

Better Tests, Better Treatment Interventional cardiologists still rely on a test called an angiogram for information about the location and physical characteristics of the blockage, including how much it is blocking the flow of blood through the artery. Other Tests Your interventional cardiologist has other tests to choose from as well to determine the severity of the buildup and decide whether angioplasty and stenting are the best approaches. Working with Your Doctor It is important to remember that even the most advanced tools are only as good as the person who uses them and his or her understanding of your unique circumstances.

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