iCliniq Logo
HomeAnswersCardiologyangiography

What should a heart patient choose, angiography or medication?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I had my blood tests and ECG done for my heart problem. After the reports, the doctor suggested angiography to check for any blockage. I have also been prescribed medicines for blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood thinning. I am attaching my reports. Please review the reports. Should I go for angiography or rely on the prescribed medicines? Please help.

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I went through your query and understood your concern. I have gone through your reports (the attachments were removed to protect the patient's identity). Your treadmill test shows mild changes. Now, considering these minor changes in the treadmill test, diabetic status (that is too uncontrolled), and deranged lipid profile, I suggest you go for angiography to rule out the possibility of coronary artery disease (CAD). Diabetic patients are at risk of CAD and also frequently asymptomatic, so angiography can provide the exact status of arteries, and further treatment can be planned accordingly. So, I suggest it is better to go ahead with coronary angiography. I hope this has helped you. Thanks and regards.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thanks for your reply. I have a few more questions. Are the mild changes visible on the ECG graph? Does angiography have any side effects? Should I wait for three months for the medicines to work and then go for checking again? Please help.

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, mild changes are visible on ECG (electrocardiogram), although not very prominent. Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly because medication modifications will be required if your blood sugar remains elevated. Angiography does not have serious side effects in most individuals, and the risk of serious side effects is extremely low. Minor issues like pain and allergies can occur. Waiting for three months will not change anything. Blockages due to cholesterol deposits will remain even after three months if they are there. Medicines are given to slow the progression of blockages and prevent the development of heart attacks in those blockages.

If you are too concerned about angiography, I suggest an alternative CT (computerized tomography) coronary angiography. It is less invasive but less accurate. It has a good negative predictive value, which means if it is negative, then it reliably rules out the possibility of coronary artery disease. But if it is positive, we only have to go ahead with angiography.

I hope this has helped you. Thanks and regards.

Medically reviewed byDr. K. Shobana

Published At March 2, 2023
Reviewed AtOctober 22, 2024

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Listen to related tracks in our music library

Read answers about:

angiographydiabetes

Ask your health query to a doctor online

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.