Angiogram & Angioplasty in Guntur
Coronary angiography and angioplasty by Dr Kamalakar Kosaraju at Life Hospital, Guntur
Angiogram and angioplasty are catheter-based heart procedures used to diagnose and treat narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. An angiogram shows where the blockages are; angioplasty opens a blocked artery to restore blood flow to the heart muscle.
At Kamalakar Heart Centre in Guntur, these procedures are performed by Dr. Kamalakar Kosaraju, Interventional Cardiologist, in the cath lab at Life Hospital, Guntur.
What is an Angiogram?
An angiogram (coronary angiography) is a diagnostic procedure used to identify blockages or narrowing in the coronary arteries.
During the procedure:
- A thin catheter is inserted through the wrist or groin
- Contrast dye is injected into the arteries
- X-ray imaging shows real-time blood flow and detects blockages
The images show whether the coronary arteries are narrowed, where, and by how much, which helps decide the treatment.
What is Angioplasty?
If a blockage is detected, angioplasty (Percutaneous Coronary Intervention) is performed to restore normal blood flow.
- A balloon is inflated to open the blocked artery
- A stent is placed to keep the artery open
- The procedure is minimally invasive and performed under local anesthesia
Recovery is usually shorter than after open-heart surgery. How long you stay in hospital depends on your condition and whether the procedure was planned or done as an emergency.
Angiogram & Angioplasty Services in Guntur
At Kamalakar Heart Centre, we provide:
- Procedures performed by Dr. Kamalakar Kosaraju, Interventional Cardiologist
- Cath-lab facilities at Life Hospital, Guntur
- Benefits, risks and alternatives discussed with each patient before the procedure
- Performed under local anaesthesia
Who Needs Angiogram or Angioplasty?
Your cardiologist may recommend these procedures if you have:
- Chest pain or discomfort (angina)
- Shortness of breath
- Abnormal ECG or stress test results
- Previous heart attack
- Risk factors such as diabetes, BP, or high cholesterol
Whether an angiogram is needed is decided after a consultation, based on your symptoms and test results.
Benefits of Angiogram & Angioplasty
- Shows the location and severity of coronary blockages
- Can relieve angina and, in a heart attack, restore blood flow
- Minimally invasive: done through the wrist or groin, without open surgery
- Recovery is usually shorter than after bypass surgery
Risks and Limitations
Angiogram and angioplasty are commonly performed procedures, but like any procedure they carry risks. Your cardiologist will explain how these apply to you before you give consent. Possible risks include:
- Bleeding or bruising at the wrist or groin access site
- Allergic reaction to the contrast dye
- Effect of the contrast dye on the kidneys, particularly in people with existing kidney disease or diabetes
- Injury to the blood vessel used for access or to the coronary artery
- Irregular heartbeat during the procedure
- Rarely, heart attack or stroke
- A treated artery can narrow again over time (restenosis), and new blockages can form elsewhere
Not every blockage needs angioplasty. Depending on the angiogram findings, treatment with medicines alone or bypass surgery may be more suitable, and these alternatives are discussed with you. Angioplasty treats a narrowing but does not cure coronary artery disease, so medicines and lifestyle changes remain necessary afterwards.
Conclusion
Angiogram and angioplasty in Guntur are performed by Dr. Kamalakar Kosaraju at Kamalakar Heart Centre, Life Hospital. Call the clinic to arrange a consultation.
How Angiogram & Angioplasty Works
Consultation
Dr. Kamalakar evaluates symptoms and medical history.
Preparation
Basic tests are conducted and fasting is advised before the procedure.
Angiogram
A catheter-based imaging procedure to detect blockages.
Angioplasty (If Required)
Balloon and stent are used to open blocked arteries.
Recovery
Short observation period followed by discharge with follow-up care.
Angiogram & Angioplasty – Frequently Asked Questions
An angiogram is a test that uses contrast dye and X-rays to detect blockages in heart arteries.
An angiogram can be done through the radial artery at the wrist or the femoral artery in the groin. The wrist route generally causes less bleeding at the access site and allows patients to sit up and walk sooner. The groin route may be used when the wrist artery is not suitable. Your cardiologist chooses the route based on your anatomy and condition.
It usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
Yes, angioplasty can be performed in the same session if blockage is found.
Yes. After a stent is placed, antiplatelet (blood-thinning) medicines are prescribed to reduce the risk of a clot forming in the stent, along with other heart medicines as advised. Do not stop them without consulting your cardiologist.
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