If your doctor has mentioned cardiac catheterization or angioplasty, you might be wondering what the difference is between the two. It’s a common question we hear from patients in Nyack, Nanuet, Haverstraw, Clarkstown, and throughout Rockland County, NY. At Cardiology of Hudson Valley, we believe that being informed helps patients feel more at ease when it’s time for testing or treatment.
Let’s break it down in a simple way.
What Is Cardiac Catheterization?
Cardiac catheterization is a diagnostic test that helps your cardiologist see how well your heart and blood vessels are working. During the procedure, a small, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel, usually in the wrist or groin. That tube is carefully guided to the heart. Once in place, your doctor can take measurements, collect blood samples, or inject a special dye to get detailed X-ray images of your coronary arteries.
This test helps identify narrowed or blocked arteries and can explain symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, or abnormal stress test results.
What Is Angioplasty?
Angioplasty, sometimes called PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention), is a treatment that may follow a cardiac catheterization if a blockage is found. If your cardiologist sees a narrowed artery, they may use a small balloon to open it up. Often, a tiny mesh tube called a stent is placed to help keep the artery open and allow blood to flow more freely.
So, while cardiac catheterization is used to diagnose problems, angioplasty is used to treat them. Not every catheterization leads to angioplasty, but if needed, both can often be done during the same visit.
When Are These Used?
These procedures are typically recommended when test results or symptoms suggest reduced blood flow to the heart. Patients in places like Nyack, Haverstraw, and Clarkstown may be referred if they’re experiencing unexplained shortness of breath, fatigue with activity, or if imaging tests suggest narrowing in the arteries.
If you’re having chest pain or think you may be experiencing a heart attack, please call 911 right away. A cardiac catheterization or angioplasty should never replace emergency care.
At Cardiology of Hudson Valley, Dr. Peter Sayegh and our team are here to help you understand your options and take the right steps for your heart health. If you’ve been referred for a cardiac catheterization or have questions about angioplasty, give us a call. We proudly care for patients in Rockland County, including Nanuet, Nyack, Clarkstown, and Haverstraw. Let’s talk about what’s best for you.