Angiography, a procedure that involves guiding a wire and catheter through blood vessels to identify or treat blockages, is generally safe but does carry a small risk. Here’s what you need to know:
Risks of Dislodged Particles
During angiography or angioplasty (where a balloon or stent is used to open the blockage), small particles or plaques from clogged arteries can sometimes get dislodged and travel through the bloodstream. This could potentially lead to stroke if the dislodged particles block an artery in the brain, or a heart attack if smaller arteries in the heart get clogged downstream.
However, these complications are rare.
How Risks Are Minimized
Doctors take several safety measures to reduce these risks:
- Specialized Equipment: Doctors use guidewires and catheters that are designed to minimize trauma to vessel walls.
- Flushing Systems: Saline is used to clear debris and prevent clots.
- Protection Devices: Filters are sometimes used in high-risk cases to catch debris.
- Expertise: Skilled interventional cardiologists use precise techniques to lower risks.
Risk Level
The overall risk of stroke or heart attack during angiography is very low, typically less than 1%. However, your individual risk depends on the severity of arterial disease, overall health, and procedure complexity.
Long-Term Risks
Angiography itself does not cause future strokes or heart attacks, but it is performed on individuals with existing cardiovascular risks, such as atherosclerosis. Managing diabetes, high cholesterol, and blood pressure is important to reduce long-term risks.
In Summary:
The benefits of angiography, that is detecting and treating life-threatening blockages, far outweigh the small risks that may be involved in the procedure. You should follow your doctor’s advice to stay safe and not consider recommendations from non-professionals. Your friend might have sympathy with you but if he is not a doctor, his advice may not be suitable in this situation. Take prescribed medications (like blood thinners) and maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle as advised by your doctors. If your doctor recommends an angiography, they might have looked at possible risks and the procedure might be the best way forward.
If you’re living with diabetes, it’s especially important to work closely with your healthcare team to minimize cardiovascular risks both before and after the procedure.