Differences Between Invasive and Non-Invasive Cardiology

Invasive vs Non-Invasive Cardiology: What’s The Difference?

The field of cardiology isn’t limited to one practice or discipline. In fact, it features many, all with unique approaches to treating and improving the circulatory system. The two essential approaches include invasive and noninvasive cardiology. Based in Sugar Land, TX, the team at Complete Cardiology Care has extensive training and years of experience using both approaches. Below, you’ll find in-depth explanations of the approaches and their similarities and differences, providing a better understanding of each. We encourage you to learn more about invasive and noninvasive cardiology and how our specialists can help you improve your circulatory and overall health.

What is Invasive Cardiology?

Invasive cardiology is a set of procedures requiring breaking the skin and inserting instruments or devices directly into the heart or cardiovascular system. They often include making small incisions and punctures that provide access to the heart and blood vessels. Some of the common invasive cardiovascular procedures include the following:

• Vascular Surgery: Many vascular surgeries are available to correct dysfunctional heart pumping and blood flow and combat conditions like aortic aneurysms and blood clots.
• Angioplasty: Also known as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), angioplasties open up narrowed or clogged blood vessels, restoring proper or adequate blood flow.
• Stenting: Often used during angioplasties, stents are small, mesh-like tubes that keep the blood vessel open. They are usually placed in damaged coronary arteries.
• Implantable Cardioverter/Defibrillator Placement (ICD): During this treatment, a small device is put into the chest or abdomen to monitor and regulate abnormal, life-threatening arrhythmias.
• Pacemaker Treatment: Using electrical pulses, a pacemaker regulates slow or irregular heartbeats, known as bradycardia or arrhythmias, so that they beat at a consistent and healthy rate.
• Ventricular Assist Device (VAD): A ventricular assist device helps failing or dysfunctional hearts pump blood when they cannot do it independently.

What is Noninvasive Cardiology?

In noninvasive cardiology, the cardiologist and their team do not need to perform surgery, cut, or puncture the skin. They are often used for diagnostics and testing rather than treatments and procedures. The most common noninvasive forms of cardiology include, but are not limited to, the following:

• X-Rays: Cutting-edge X-ray technology is often used to visualize the heart, coronary arteries, and blood vessels. It is also used to look for and discover signs, symptoms, and root causes of cardiac problems.
• Stress Testing: Stress tests involve increasing the heart’s workload, blood flow, and rate as if the patient is exercising. These tests can include actual physical activity or medications that simulate physical activity.
• Echocardiography: This noninvasive imaging test, often used for evaluations and diagnosis, comprises ultrasound waves that create high-definition images of the heart’s chambers, valves, walls, and vessels.
• Electrocardiogram: Also known as an EKG or ECG, this diagnostic test measures, monitors, and records the heart’s electrical signals. It is often used to discover and diagnose arrhythmias and heart attacks.

What is the Difference Between Invasive and Noninvasive Cardiology?

Here’s a quick breakdown and summary of the essential differences between invasive and noninvasive cardiology and what you can expect from them:

• Invasive Cardiology: This involves procedures that require cutting and puncturing the body to enter it. These procedures can be used to treat or diagnose heart conditions. Some invasive procedures are moderate to high risk and may require extended recovery times.
• Noninvasive Cardiology: This mainly includes diagnostic tests that don’t require cutting or breaking the skin. They are typically minimal to no-risk and don’t require recovery or downtime.

Which Type of Cardiology is Right for Me?

Since noninvasive cardiology comprises mainly diagnostics and testing, and invasive cardiology includes procedures and treatments, you’ll likely need a mix of both types to alleviate or correct your heart or cardiovascular conditions. Here are a few ways that your cardiologist will determine your appropriate treatment options:

• Results of Noninvasive Testing: You may not need invasive cardiology if your noninvasive tests detect mild or non-threatening abnormalities. However, significant issues like heart disease or arrhythmia will likely require further and more intense testing, evaluations, and treatments.
• Level of Invasiveness: Some conditions may only need continued monitoring and treatments, such as lifestyle adjustments, to relieve and correct them. However, significant conditions may require surgical procedures or skin puncturing to place devices.

Receive Comprehensive Cardiology Treatments Today

Complete Cardiology Care performs various invasive and noninvasive cardiological methods to improve heart and circulatory health. Whether you want to treat a current condition or reduce your risks of developing one, our team will provide the treatments and solutions to help you improve your health and life. Please contact us if you have questions or concerns about your cardiovascular health or want support managing a heart or circulatory condition. Our team will assess your health history, condition, and goals, enabling us to develop a customized treatment plan.