Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsPurposeProcedureBefore an AngiogramDuring an AngiogramAfter an AngiogramResults and Next Steps
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Purpose
Procedure
Before an Angiogram
During an Angiogram
After an Angiogram
Results and Next Steps
Anangiogramis a minimally invasive procedure to identify or confirmarteryandveinabnormalities, such as blockages, narrowing, or abnormal connections. The inside of blood vessels is visualized using X-rays taken after a liquid contrast agent is injected into the bloodstream.
Angiograms are usually performed in an outpatient clinic. Most people are awake during the procedure, although they are given medication to help them relax.
Angiogram: When Do Providers Order One?
Multiple angiogram types are available, allowing healthcare providers to examine blood vessels throughout the body for various abnormalities.
Some of these abnormalities are:
Angiograms are ordered if a person exhibits signs or symptoms suggestive of one of the above blood vessel abnormalities.
A common type of angiogram is a coronary angiogram, which plays a significant role in diagnosingcoronary artery disease(CAD). CAD is a condition in which fatty deposits (plaque) accumulate within the walls of thecoronary arteriesthat deliver oxygenated blood to the heart muscle.
Over time, this buildup of plaque—a process calledatherosclerosis—can cause one or more coronary arteries to narrow, partially or completely blocking blood flow to the heart muscle.
A coronary angiogram is ordered if symptoms of CAD are present, such as:
In some cases, the first symptom of coronary artery disease is aheart attack. Besides the above symptoms, a person having a heart attack may experience:
An abnormalelectrocardiogram(ECG) orexercise stress testcan also prompt a healthcare provider to order a coronary angiogram.
Coronary Angiogram Vs. Cardiac Catheterization"Coronary angiogram" and “cardiac catheterization” (or “heart/cardiac cath”) are terms sometimes used interchangeably.A coronary angiogram is the first part of a cardiac catheterization. After the coronary arteries are examined, the heart muscle can be visualized to determine whether its structure is intact and how well it’s functioning.
Coronary Angiogram Vs. Cardiac Catheterization
“Coronary angiogram” and “cardiac catheterization” (or “heart/cardiac cath”) are terms sometimes used interchangeably.A coronary angiogram is the first part of a cardiac catheterization. After the coronary arteries are examined, the heart muscle can be visualized to determine whether its structure is intact and how well it’s functioning.
“Coronary angiogram” and “cardiac catheterization” (or “heart/cardiac cath”) are terms sometimes used interchangeably.
A coronary angiogram is the first part of a cardiac catheterization. After the coronary arteries are examined, the heart muscle can be visualized to determine whether its structure is intact and how well it’s functioning.
Other types of angiograms and examples of the conditions they can detect include:
Quick Look at Angiogram Procedure
An interventional cardiologist, neurologist, orradiologist(physicians who use minimally invasive techniques to evaluate/treat diseases) often performs an angiogram in an outpatient clinic.Sometimes, the procedure is performed in a hospital, especially if a person has already been admitted.
Most people are awake during an angiogram but are given medication to help them fall asleep or relax. Angiogram procedures are generally painless, although a person may experience a stinging sensation when the numbing shot into the skin is given.
Moreover, when the contrast agent (iodine dye) is injected into the bloodstream, a pressure or flushed sensation may be felt.
Potential RisksPossible risks associated with an angiogram include:Allergic reaction to the contrast dyeBleeding or infection of the injection siteBlood vessel injuryDislodging of fatty deposits in a visualized blood vessel, causing anembolic stroke(the dislodged deposit blocks blood flow in the brain)Seizure, kidney failure, or cardiac arrest (very rare)
Potential Risks
Possible risks associated with an angiogram include:Allergic reaction to the contrast dyeBleeding or infection of the injection siteBlood vessel injuryDislodging of fatty deposits in a visualized blood vessel, causing anembolic stroke(the dislodged deposit blocks blood flow in the brain)Seizure, kidney failure, or cardiac arrest (very rare)
Possible risks associated with an angiogram include:
Before an angiogram, you may be given the following preparatory instructions:
Before entering the procedure room, you will change into a hospital gown and sign a consent form.
The specific steps of an angiogram depend on the type being performed. That said, you can generally expect the following steps when undergoing this procedure:
Needle Phobia: Symptoms and How to Cope and Manage
After the angiogram, you will be taken to a recovery room, where a nurse will monitor your vital signs. They will also periodically check the site where the catheter was inserted for bleeding or swelling.
Depending on the type of angiogram, catheter size, and insertion site, you must lie flat on your back for two to several hours after the angiogram to prevent bleeding. As you lie flat, you may be given pain medicine to help ease any soreness from the insertion site.
The good news is that you will likely be able to go home the same day as the angiogram, although you will need someone to drive you.
A possible exception to going home is if you undergo a therapeutic procedure along with the angiogram (e.g., an intervention to open up a blocked artery). In such cases, you may need to stay in the hospital overnight.
Once home, it’s crucial to follow your provider’s instructions exactly. They will vary slightly based on the type of angiogram performed and whether you underwent any other procedures.
General instructions often include the following:
Lastly, follow up with your provider and remove the bandage over the puncture site as instructed. You may have some bruising at the puncture site. If you develop any bleeding, apply firm pressure over the site and seek immediate medical attention.
Angiogram Results and Next Steps
Findings from an angiogram can confirm the presence of a blood vessel abnormality. This information can help dictate the next steps in treatment,
For example, a coronary angiogram can reveal the precise location and extent of the coronary artery blockages. From there, a person may undergo one of the following procedures:
Keep in mind that in addition to or instead of surgical or procedural intervention, your healthcare provider may recommend various lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, losing excess weight, or engaging in regular physical activity.
Medications such asstatinsto lower cholesterol orblood-thinning drugsto help prevent blood clots may also be recommended.
Lastly, in some cases, such as with coronary angiograms, your healthcare provider may want to repeat the test periodically, even if the test was normal. This is especially true if you are at high risk of developing coronary artery disease.
Summary
An angiogram is a procedure that examines blood vessels for abnormalities (e.g., narrowing or blockages) using X-ray images and an injected contrast dye. An interventional radiologist or cardiologist usually performs this minimally invasive procedure in an outpatient clinic.
Depending on which blood vessels are being checked, there are different types of angiograms. For example, a coronary angiogram evaluates the arteries that supply the heart muscle with oxygenated blood (coronary arteries).
Once the catheter is guided to its designated site, contrast dye is injected, and X-ray pictures are taken. Based on the angiogram results, further interventions may be performed (e.g., opening up a blocked artery with a balloon or stent).
If you are scheduled for an angiogram or have recently undergone one, take the time to carefully review the process or next steps, as applicable, with your healthcare team.
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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