PREVIOUSLY ASKED IN:
PSC Miscellaneous Prelims 2018
Answer
It is a medical diagnostic test.
Explanation
An angiogram is a medical diagnostic test. It is an X-ray imaging procedure used to see the body's blood vessels, primarily to diagnose blocks or narrowing of the arteries in the heart (Coronary Angiography). A special dye (contrast medium) is injected into the blood to make the blood vessels visible on the X-ray machine. It is crucial for planning treatments like stents or bypass surgery.
Key Points
- > An angiogram checks blood flow in arteries or veins.
- > The prefix 'Angio' means blood vessel, and 'gram' means a picture or record.
- > It is primarily used to detect blocks in the coronary arteries of the heart.
- > It uses an iodine-based contrast dye visible under an X-ray.
- > Unlike an ECG which measures electrical activity, an angiogram visualizes physical blockages.
- > If a blockage is found, an 'Angioplasty' (inserting a balloon/stent) may be performed immediately.
Additional Information
Heart-related Medical Diagnostics
| Test Name | Modality | What it Detects |
|---|---|---|
| ECG | Electrical recording | Irregular heartbeats (Arrhythmias) |
| Echocardiogram | Ultrasound imaging | Pumping capacity and valve function |
| Angiogram | X-ray with contrast dye | Blockages in coronary arteries |
| Troponin Blood Test | Blood sample analysis | Heart muscle damage (Heart attack) |
Memory Tips
- Gram is the Graph: An angio'gram' is just taking the picture (diagnosis). Angio'plasty' is fixing the problem with a stent (treatment).