Understanding Angiogram Scans: A Key Tool in Cardiovascular Health

Cardiovascular diseases are one the biggest causes of deaths in the world. Not only this, but they are a significant cause of disabilities in people. In 2021, cardiovascular diseases caused about 20.5 million deaths, which is one-third of the global population. In addition, they take about 17.9 million lives each year, which is alarming. However, as per research, the early detection of abnormalities within the heart significantly helps in reducing the death rate. In that regard, angiogram scan holds great significance. In this post, we will explore how angiogram scans help take care of cardiovascular health. 

What is an Angiogram Scan?

Angiogram scan also known as virtual angiography. Another name for the scan is coronary CT angiography. The CT imaging test looks at the arteries that are responsible for supplying blood to the heart. Any blockage or narrowing of the blood vessels or arteries may cause many problems. Furthermore, it is completely a non-invasive procedure. There is no need for any cut, thus, there is no recovery time for the scan. It looks for the condition like coronary artery disease, which is narrowing of arteries due to calcium build-up. However, it looks for other conditions as well, such as it offers an insight into lung health. Angiography highlights the narrowing of blood vessels within the lungs, which may cause lung cancer. 

How does an Angiogram Scan Work?

This imaging test involves injecting the contrast dye into a vein that helps identify the flow of blood within the heart. After that the patient lies on the table and the scanner revolves around the body to fake multiple images of the heart from different angles. Thus, it highlights the blockage or narrowing of arteries that may cause cardiac arrest if goes untreated. 

What is the Importance of An Angiogram Scan?

An angiogram scan or virtual angiography helps detect a problem within a heart that may cause a major cardiac arrest. In addition, it helps identify the conditions that may disrupt the flow of blood and cause problems in the body.  In that regard, angiography is not just a scan but it is a life-saving tool. However, it is important to remember that once the narrowing of blood vessels has been identified, then the doctor often suggests traditional angiography as well. The traditional angiography involves the insertion  of catheter. 

Who Should Consider An Angiogram Scan?

You do not directly jump at the virtual angiography, rather a doctor suggest the scan after many noninvasive procedures. When they find a problem in those tests then they proceed with an angiogram scan. In that regard, a person should consider it in the following cases:

• Suppose you are having extreme chest pain also known as angina. In addition, si some cases, it's pain under the ribs. 

• A sheer pain in the chest, specific muscle or jaw that is inxplainable through different tests. 

• If you are born with a heart condition, which is knwon as congenital heart diseases. 

• Irregular stress results 

• In addition, if you have a family history of coronary artery disease, and you are above 45. Then it is important for you to go for screening as per your doctor's suggestions. 

What are the Risks and Benefits of Angiogram Scan?

The virtual angiogram scan is just good, rather it comes with risks. Some popular risks and complications include the following; 

• Blood vessels injury 

• A heart attack 

• Excessive bleeding in some cases 

• Irregular heart rate 

• Kidneys damage due to other complications 

• A cardiac stroke

• The body may react to the dye in the worst form

Apart from that, some benefits of the scan include the following: 

• It helps in the identification of flaw, which is impacting your heart. 

• Instead of over-thinking, you get to know the main cause of chest pain 

• It helps determine if there is calcium or fat build-up within the walls of our heart.

Angiogram Scan and Other Related Conditions 

Some people think that angiography is only for the heart and to identify heart conditions, which is true. However, it is also useful for other conditions. For example, it might be beneficial for detecting problems within the blood vessels of the lungs. The scan offers a comprehensive view of the lungs and internal structures that help identify the main cause of the problem.

Conclusion 

Cardiovascular diseases remain to be one of the main reasons of deaths all across the world. However, one of the best tools for the early detection of the problems is an angiogram scan. The scan has its benefits and risks. However, it helps identify the risk of cardiac arrest so that you may take precautions. Keeping that in view, ViaScan of Las Colinas offers a range of screenings and services. You may contact them or visit their page to learn more about this.