Angiography & Angioplasty in Ranchi

Chest pain, breathlessness on exertion or an abnormal ECG or stress test can be signs that the arteries supplying the heart are narrowed. Coronary angiography and angioplasty are two procedures used to find and treat such blockages. At Santevita Hospital, Ranchi, these procedures are carried out in the Advanced Cardiac Catheterization (Cath) Lab, supported by 24x7 emergency, critical care and diagnostic services. This page explains who may need these procedures, how they are done, what recovery looks like and how to plan for the cost. It is general information; your cardiologist will advise what is right for you.

Angiography vs angioplasty: what is the difference

The two words sound alike, but they serve different purposes.

Coronary angiography is a test. A thin tube (catheter) is passed through a small puncture in the wrist or groin and guided to the arteries of the heart. A contrast dye is injected, and X-ray images show whether an artery is narrowed or blocked, where, and how severely.

Angioplasty is a treatment. A tiny balloon at the tip of a catheter is inflated to widen the narrowed artery, and a small mesh tube called a stent is usually placed to keep it open. Some stents are coated with medicine that is released slowly to lower the chance of the artery narrowing again. This is also called PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention).

Sometimes angiography is done first and angioplasty follows in the same sitting, if the cardiologist finds it necessary and suitable. In other patients, the findings lead to medicines or a discussion about bypass surgery. The Cardiology department also lists more complex procedures, including peripheral and renal angioplasty, IVUS and IVL-guided angioplasty, pacemaker, AICD and CRT implants, and device closure of congenital heart defects. Patients who need intensive care are looked after in ICUs that are managed round the clock by critical care specialists and intensivists.

Who needs the procedure

Your cardiologist may advise coronary angiography if you have:

• Chest pain, pressure or tightness, especially on exertion
• Breathlessness or unusual tiredness with no clear cause
• An abnormal ECG, echocardiogram or stress test
• A past heart attack or heart procedure that needs reassessment

Angioplasty may be considered when angiography shows a significant narrowing, and it is often part of treatment during a heart attack, when opening the artery quickly matters. Not every blockage needs angioplasty. Depending on the number and position of blockages and your overall health, medicines, lifestyle changes or bypass surgery may be a better choice. This decision is taken by your cardiologist after examination and review of your reports.

Severe chest pain, pain spreading to the arm or jaw, sweating or fainting needs emergency care at once. Call 073600 33390 or reach the emergency department without waiting for an appointment.

How the procedure is done in our cath lab

1. Check-in and consent. The team confirms your history, medicines and allergies, and explains the procedure before you sign the consent form.
2. Local anaesthesia. The skin at the wrist or groin is numbed. Most patients stay awake.
3. Catheter placement. The catheter is guided to the heart's arteries under X-ray imaging.
4. Dye and images. You may feel warmth or pressure as the dye is injected. Images show the arteries.
5. Angioplasty, if needed. A balloon widens the narrowing and a stent is usually placed.
6. Closure and observation. The catheter is removed, the puncture site is closed and you are observed while your heart rhythm, blood pressure and puncture site are monitored.

Angiography alone often takes less time than angioplasty. The duration depends on your case.

Preparation and recovery timeline

Before the procedure: Carry earlier reports, ECGs and the list of medicines you take. Tell the team about allergies, especially to dye or iodine, kidney problems, diabetes and blood-thinning medicines. Follow the fasting and medicine instructions you are given, and do not stop any heart medicine on your own. On the day, wear comfortable clothes, leave valuables at home and bring a family member with you.

Recovery timeline

• Same day: Rest and observation. Keep the wrist or groin still as advised.
• Day 1 to 2: Many patients go home after angiography within a day. After angioplasty, the stay is often one to two days, depending on your condition.
• First week: Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity. Check the puncture site daily. Take every medicine on time.
• Follow-up: A review with your cardiologist, with a plan for diet, exercise and medicines.

Risks and aftercare

Every procedure carries some risk. Possible risks include bruising or bleeding at the puncture site, reaction to the dye, strain on the kidneys, irregular heartbeat, a clot in the stent, and re-narrowing of the artery. Serious complications such as heart attack, stroke or the need for emergency surgery are uncommon. Your cardiologist will explain the risks that apply to you before you consent.

Aftercare matters as much as the procedure. Take prescribed medicines regularly, eat a balanced diet, stop tobacco, stay active as advised and keep blood pressure, sugar and cholesterol in check. Contact the hospital if you notice chest pain, swelling or bleeding at the puncture site, fever or breathlessness after you reach home.

Cost factors and cashless insurance

The charges depend on your individual situation, so they cannot be fixed in advance. These factors usually matter:

• Whether you need angiography only, or angioplasty as well
• The number and type of stents used
• The room category and the length of stay
• Any ICU care, investigations and medicines
• Complications or additional procedures, if any

For an estimate after evaluation, call 073600 33390. Santevita Hospital has a list of empanelled TPAs and corporates on its website. Please check whether your insurer is listed, and carry your policy card, photo ID and referral papers. Cashless approval depends on your insurer's terms and is decided by the insurer. Ask for the estimate in writing so that you know exactly what it covers.

Meet our cardiologist

Dr. Varun Kumar, Specialist - Cardiology, is listed in the Cardiology department at Santevita Hospital. You can see the doctor's profile and the OPD schedule on the Find a Doctor and OPD Schedule pages of this website. Angiography and angioplasty are advised after evaluation by the treating cardiologist.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I stay in hospital after angioplasty?

The stay depends on your condition and the procedure. Many patients stay one to two days. Your cardiologist will tell you when you can go home.

Is angioplasty painful?

The area is numbed with a local anaesthetic, so most people feel pressure rather than sharp pain. Some feel mild discomfort when the balloon is inflated. Tell the team if you feel chest discomfort during the procedure.

What does angioplasty cost in Ranchi?

The cost depends on the factors listed above, such as the number of stents and the room category. Call 073600 33390 to discuss an estimate after your evaluation.

Will I need another angioplasty in the future?

A stent treats the narrowed segment, but heart disease can progress. Medicines, a healthy lifestyle and regular follow-up help protect your arteries.

Should I wait for an appointment if I have severe chest pain?

No. Severe chest pain needs emergency care. Call 073600 33390 or go to the emergency department straight away.

Talk to our Cardiology team

To consult the Cardiology department or ask about OPD timings, call Santevita Hospital, Ranchi, on 073600 33390. The same number can be used for emergencies.