Difference Between Angiography and Angioplasty – Explained by Experts

If you or a loved one has ever visited a heart specialist, you may have come across two commonly used terms—angiography and angioplasty. While they sound similar, they serve completely different purposes in the world of cardiac care.

At CentraCare Superspeciality Hospital, Belagavi, our team of experienced cardiologists helps hundreds of patients navigate these procedures every month. In this blog, we break down the difference between angiography and angioplasty in simple, clear terms—so you know exactly what each one involves and when it is needed.

🔍 What Is Angiography?

✅ Purpose: Diagnostic

Angiography is a test used to detect blockages or narrowing in the coronary arteries. It helps doctors assess the extent of heart disease before deciding the treatment.

🏥 How it works:

• A thin tube (catheter) is inserted through a blood vessel—usually from the groin or wrist.

• A contrast dye is injected into the coronary arteries.

• Using live X-ray imaging (fluoroscopy), doctors view the blood flow to detect any blockages.
  

📌 It tells us:

• If there’s a blockage

• Where the blockage is

• How severe it is

• Whether a stent or surgery is needed
  

🧠 Think of angiography as the “CT scan of your heart arteries.” It’s diagnostic—not a treatment.

🔧 What Is Angioplasty?

✅ Purpose: Treatment

Angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure to open narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. It is often done immediately after angiography if a blockage is found.

🏥 How it works:

• A balloon-tipped catheter is inserted into the blocked artery.

• The balloon is inflated to widen the artery.

• In most cases, a stent (a tiny metal mesh tube) is placed to keep the artery open.

• Blood flow to the heart improves instantly.

🧠 In simple terms: Angioplasty fixes what angiography finds.

⚖️ Angiography vs Angioplasty: Quick Comparison

Feature	Angiography	Angioplasty
Type	Diagnostic Test	Treatment Procedure
Purpose	To identify artery blockages	To open blocked arteries
Time Required	15–30 minutes	30–60 minutes or more
Hospital Stay	Often same-day or overnight	Usually 1–2 days
Involves a stent?	❌ No	✅ Yes (usually)
Cost Range	Lower	Higher (due to stent and procedure)

🫀 When Do You Need Angiography or Angioplasty?

👉 You may need angiography if you have:

• Chest pain or tightness (angina)

• Abnormal TMT or ECG results

• History of heart attack or high cardiac risk
  

👉 You may need angioplasty if angiography shows:

• 70% or more blockage in a major coronary artery

• Ongoing chest pain or symptoms

• Poor blood flow that may lead to heart attack
  

📍 In emergency cases like heart attacks, both procedures are done back-to-back to restore blood flow fast.

🏥 Why Choose CentraCare Belagavi for Cardiac Procedures?

• ✅ 24/7 Cardiac Emergency Response

• ✅ Fully equipped Cath Lab & Cardiac ICU

• ✅ Experienced interventional cardiologists

• ✅ Affordable angiography & angioplasty packages

• ✅ Cashless insurance & government scheme support
  

Our patient-first approach ensures that you receive the right procedure at the right time—with complete clarity and comfort.

📞 Think You May Need a Heart Checkup? Don’t Delay.

Whether you’re looking for a second opinion or need a routine cardiac assessment, CentraCare’s expert team is here for you.

Book your consultation with Belagavi’s leading heart specialists today.

 Let’s keep your heart strong—togethe