This is a common question that often confuses my patients, because they sound similar!
An angiogram is merely a diagnostic tool used to reveal blockages in heart vessels.
On the other hand, an angioplasty is a treatment that involves inserting heart stents to improve blood flow to heart muscle. Widening a narrowed heart vessel results in fewer angina symptoms and a better quality of life.
A coronary angiogram and angioplasty may be done soon after a heart attack, or if you have angina.
It's possible that you will go on to have an angioplasty WHILE having an angiogram as part of the same procedure.
