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Is Angiogram Safe for Elderly?

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An angiogram is a procedure that helps a doctor to measure the condition of the heart. Angiogram means that the physician will get an insight into the process where the blood flow is smooth at all times. With the help of the angiogram test, one can view the regions where there is less flow of flood. The less flow of blood carries low levels of oxygen and nutrients required for the heart.

Is Angiogram Safe for Elderly?

The angiogram is safe across all the ages. However, when it comes to elderly, it depends on the individual. For example, an elderly patient with no health issues and leading a healthy life can participate in the angiogram test. The angiogram procedure delivers accurate results in such cases, making it simple to monitor the activity of the heart. The case is especially useful for patients aged above 80 and above.

In some situations, the invasive method of angiogram may lead to side effects. However, the doctor will consider all the aspects of the patient before preferring him/her to an angiogram. The angiogram test is the best procedure to look at the narrow portions of the arteries that are obstructing the passage of the blood. It is vital that the heart receives needed levels of oxygen and nutrients, which it receives through blood.

The Growing Population

With the average age increasing steadily and people undergoing angiogram even at the age of 90, questions are popping up about the safety of the procedure. Angioplasty is surgery, where a thin tube that enters the arteries removes the blockages. Due to the removal of the obstruction, the heart receives the needed nourishment, preventing the individual to experience chest pain or heart attack.

Considerations

Not every elderly will be able to go for the angiogram test. According to a specialist, he sent a schoolteacher, aged 94 for angioplasty last year after carrying out the angiogram. The reason for it was that she has no other side effects, living an active lifestyle and still traveling. Taking this as an example, many cardiologists agree that the decision to allow angiogram on an elderly is a case-by-case basis. One cannot order it for all.

Complications

Although older adults with a healthy lifestyle can participate in the angiogram test, a few may face difficulties. It includes considering the age of the patient and the health factors. Double fold the risk involved is mandatory for patients lying on the bed who is about to undergo angioplasty. The increase in the risk factor could be due to the spread of the infection after the surgery and decrease in the functioning of the kidney. Furthermore, there is a decline in energy, given the age factor.

Changes that occur at this stage to the heart also a role player that can affect the outcome of the complications related to the angiogram. The blood vessels become stiff, making it difficult to place the stents.

Angiogram Results

Although the angiogram results in such cases change from one to another, there is a positive side to it for those who lead a healthy lifestyle. With the invasive method, it is possible for a cardiologist to lower the occurrence of heart attack and emergency heart procedures such as bypass testing. According to the experts, patients experiencing chest pain, especially the elderly, may not always need the assistance of the angiogram to determine the cause.

Although no guidelines are available that people over 80 years cannot participate actively in an angiogram test, the invasive test in several cases helps in determine the exact result in the patients and prevent unwanted ailments with strategic planning.

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Team PainAssist
Team PainAssist
Written, Edited or Reviewed By: Team PainAssist, Pain Assist Inc. This article does not provide medical advice. See disclaimer
Last Modified On:September 26, 2017

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