regarding angiogram

[papma]

hello,

my mom is 72 years old, she is type2 diabetic, hyper tensive and have ischemic heart disease, she has been adviced to go through angiogram and shunting after that. how safte it is for her,with her health background? will she survive after that, is it a dangerous procedure?

[kenkeith]

An angiogram is a procedure  that images a contrast agent that passes through the vessels during rest and then with exertion to observe if there is any obstruction.  There shouldn't be any risk with a CT scan, and if the procedure is with a cath the risk may be a problem at the entery site (groan) as a diabetic may have some difficuty with the healing process other risks are minimal i.e. rupture, uncontrolled bleeding, etc.  Doctors are quickly available if there is a problem.

The word shunting means to bypass blood flow.  I assume it is a coronary artery bypass, and the risk depends on general health and whether or not the conditions cited are under control, etc.  Age shouldn't be much of a factor, but when 80 and above the doctor's carefully weigh the options (generally).