Angiogram Test: A Close Look at Your Blood Vessels

What Is an Angiogram?

An angiogram is a diagnostic imaging test that provides a detailed view of your blood vessels. This minimally invasive procedure uses X-rays and a special dye called contrast to visualise the inside of your arteries and veins. The injected dye highlights any blockages, narrowing, or abnormalities in your blood vessels, allowing doctors to detect circulatory issues. An angiogram test is a valuable tool for evaluating the blood flow in various parts of your body, including the heart, brain, lungs, arms, and legs. It helps diagnose and guide the treatment of vascular diseases.

Why Is an Angiogram Performed?

Your doctor may recommend an angiogram procedure to diagnose conditions that affect your blood vessels, such as blockages or narrowing (stenosis) that restrict blood flow, abnormalities in the structure of your blood vessels, sources of internal bleeding, and blood clots or aneurysms.

An angiogram helps identify the underlying causes of symptoms like chest pain, stroke, or unexplained bleeding. It is commonly used to evaluate coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, or pulmonary embolism.

The test not only aids in diagnosis but also guides treatment decisions. It helps determine the location and severity of vascular issues, assisting in planning interventions like angioplasty or surgery.

Types of Angiograms

The type of angiogram test you undergo depends on the specific blood vessels being examined. The main types include:

• Coronary angiogram: Evaluates the arteries supplying blood to your heart
• Cerebral angiogram: Assesses the blood vessels in your brain
• Pulmonary angiogram: Examines the arteries in your lungs
• Peripheral angiogram: Focuses on the blood vessels in your arms or legs

Each angiogram procedure involves inserting a thin tube called a catheter into an artery, injecting contrast dye, and taking X-ray images to visualise the blood flow. The choice of angiogram depends on your symptoms and the area of concern.

Coronary Angiogram

A coronary angiogram is performed to assess the arteries that supply blood to your heart muscle. It helps diagnose coronary artery disease, which occurs when plaque builds up and narrows these vessels. During the procedure, a catheter is inserted through an artery in your groin or arm and guided to your heart to inject the dye and capture X-ray images.

Cerebral Angiogram

A cerebral angiogram focuses on the blood vessels in your brain. It is used to detect conditions such as aneurysms, blockages, or malformations that can lead to stroke or other neurological problems. The procedure involves injecting contrast dye through a catheter inserted into an artery in your groin or arm and then taking detailed X-ray images of your brain's circulation.

Pulmonary Angiogram

A pulmonary angiogram examines the arteries that carry blood to your lungs. It is often performed to diagnose a pulmonary embolism, which is a blood clot that blocks an artery in your lungs. During the procedure, a catheter is inserted into a vein, usually in your groin, and guided to your pulmonary arteries to inject the dye and take X-rays.

Peripheral Angiogram

A peripheral angiogram evaluates the blood vessels in your arms or legs. It is commonly used to diagnose peripheral artery disease, which occurs when plaque narrows the arteries supplying blood to your limbs. The procedure involves inserting a catheter into an artery in your groin or arm and injecting contrast dye to visualise any blockages or abnormalities in your peripheral vessels.

How to Prepare for an Angiogram

Before your angiogram test, your doctor will provide specific instructions to help you prepare. Typically, you will need to:

• Fast for 6-8 hours before the procedure.
• Inform your doctor about any allergies, especially to iodine or contrast dye.
• Disclose all medications you are taking, including blood thinners.
• Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.

Your doctor may advise you to temporarily stop certain medications and have blood tests done to check your kidney function and blood clotting.

What Happens During the Procedure?

During an angiogram procedure, you will lie on an X-ray table. Your doctor will:

• Numb the catheter insertion site (usually your groin or arm) with local anesthesia
• Make a small incision and insert a thin, flexible catheter into your artery
• Guide the catheter to the target blood vessel using X-ray guidance
• Inject contrast dye through the catheter to make your blood vessels visible on the X-ray images
• Take multiple X-ray pictures from different angles to assess your blood flow and detect any abnormalities

The angiogram procedure usually takes 30-60 minutes. You may receive sedation to help you relax, but you will remain awake.

Is an Angiogram Very Painful?

Most people do not experience significant pain during an angiogram test. The local anaesthesia numbs the catheter insertion site, minimising discomfort. You may feel some pressure or a warm sensation when the contrast dye is injected, but this is usually brief and tolerable. After the angiogram procedure, you may have some soreness at the insertion site, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

What Are the Risks and Complications?

While an angiogram is generally a safe procedure, it does carry some risks, including bleeding, bruising, or infection at the catheter insertion site; allergic reaction to the contrast dye; damage to blood vessels; kidney problems from the contrast dye, especially if you have pre-existing kidney disease; or, rarely, heart attack, stroke, or blood clots.

The angiogram risks are higher if you have diabetes, kidney disease, or bleeding disorders. Your doctor will discuss the potential complications with you and take precautions to minimise these angiogram risks.

Recovery After an Angiogram

After your angiogram procedure, you will need to lie flat for several hours to prevent bleeding from the insertion site. Your doctor will monitor your vital signs and the insertion site for any complications. You may feel groggy from the sedation, and it is normal to experience some bruising or soreness. Most people can go home the same day, but you will need someone to drive you. Your doctor will provide instructions on caring for the insertion site and when to resume normal activities.

What Do the Results Mean?

Your angiogram test results will provide detailed images of your blood vessels, revealing any blockages, narrowing, or abnormalities. Your doctor will review the X-rays and discuss the findings with you. The results will help determine the appropriate treatment plan, which may include:

• Medications to manage symptoms and reduce risk factors
• Angioplasty or stenting to open blocked arteries
• Bypass surgery to reroute blood flow around a blockage
• Ongoing monitoring and lifestyle changes to prevent further vascular problems

If your angiogram is normal, your doctor may recommend further tests to identify the cause of your symptoms.

Angiogram vs. Other Imaging Tests

An angiogram is considered the gold standard for evaluating blood vessel problems. However, other imaging tests may be used in certain situations or as complementary tools. These include:

• CT angiography: Uses X-rays and computer technology to create detailed images of your blood vessels
• MR angiography: Employs magnetic fields and radio waves to visualize your blood vessels without radiation
• Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to assess blood flow and detect blockages

Your doctor will determine the most appropriate test based on your specific condition, medical history, and angiogram purpose. In some cases, a combination of imaging tests may be necessary.

When Should You See a Doctor?

If you experience symptoms that may indicate a problem with your blood vessels, it is important to consult your doctor promptly. These symptoms may include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, numbness, weakness, or coldness in your limbs, sudden, severe headache, vision changes, or unexplained bleeding. Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and determine if an angiogram test or other diagnostic procedures are necessary.

Conclusion

Understanding the angiogram purpose helps you make informed decisions about vascular health. It reveals blood vessel issues, while angiogram vs. angioplasty highlights that one diagnoses and the other treats blockages. At Metropolis Healthcare, we offer accurate diagnostics and expert care, ensuring a seamless experience from at-home sample collection to fast reports via the Metropolis TruHealth app.

FAQs

Is an angiogram safe?

Yes, an angiogram is generally safe when performed by trained specialists. However, as with any invasive procedure, there are rare risks such as bleeding, infection, or blood vessel damage. Your doctor will explain the angiogram’s benefits and potential risks beforehand.

How long does an angiogram take?

The procedure typically lasts 30 to 90 minutes, depending on complexity. Including preparation and post-procedure recovery, expect to spend several hours at the hospital or clinic.

Can I drive after an angiogram?

No, you shouldn’t drive for at least 24 hours post-procedure due to sedative effects. Arrange for someone to take you home, and rest for a day or two after the test.

Are there alternatives to angiography?

Yes, non-invasive options like CT angiography or MRI angiography may be suitable. However, a conventional angiogram offers the most detailed view of blood vessels and remains the gold standard.

What should I avoid after the procedure?

Keep the catheter insertion site clean and dry. Avoid baths, swimming, or heavy lifting for at least 24–48 hours. Follow your doctor’s specific aftercare instructions.

Do I need anaesthesia for an angiogram?

Only local anaesthesia is required to numb the catheter site. You may receive mild sedation to help you relax, but general anesthesia is rarely needed.

How soon will I get my results?

Preliminary findings are often available immediately. A complete report typically follows within a few days. Your doctor will schedule a follow-up to discuss the results.

Can angiograms detect all blockages?

Angiograms effectively detect major blockages but may miss smaller vessel issues. Further testing may be needed if symptoms persist.

Is an angiogram major surgery?

No, it’s a minimally invasive test, not major surgery. Recovery time is shorter.

Can an angiogram clear blockages?

No, but if a blockage is found, angioplasty may be performed during the same session to restore blood flow.