Anangiogramis a minimally invasive procedure to identify or confirmarteryandveinabnormalities, such as blockages, narrowing, or abnormal connections.
Angiograms are usually performed in an outpatient clinic.
Most people are awake during the procedure, although they are given medication to help them relax.
Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health
This article will review the types of angiograms and the conditions they can diagnose.
Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health
Angiogram: When Do Providers Order One?
Multiple angiogram types are available, allowing healthcare providers to examine blood vessels throughout the body for various abnormalities.
A coronary angiogram is the first part of a cardiac catheterization.
Most people are awake during an angiogram but are given medication to help them fall asleep or relax.
During an Angiogram
The specific steps of an angiogram depend on the jot down being performed.
They will also periodically check the site where the catheter was inserted for bleeding or swelling.
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 throw in of angiogram performed and whether you underwent any other procedures.
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.
Coronary artery bypass surgery is a more extensive in-patient operation performed by acardiothoracic surgeon.
Medications such asstatinsto lower cholesterol orblood-thinning drugsto help prevent blood clots may also be recommended.
This is especially true if you are at high risk of developing coronary artery disease.
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.
The precise step-by-step procedure of undergoing an angiogram varies slightly, although individuals can generally expect to be awake.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Coronary artery disease (CAD).
Cascino T, Shea MJ (2023).Cardiac catheterization and coronary angiography.
InMerck Manual Professional Version.
Merck & Co., Inc.
American Heart Association.Peripheral angiography.
Bae JY, Murugiah K.Invasive pulmonary angiogram performance and interpretation in the diagnosis of pulmonary thromboembolic disease.Interv Cardiol Clin.
2023;12(3):299-307. doi:10.1016/j.iccl.2023.03.002
Safian RD.Renal artery stenosis.Prog Cardiovasc Dis.
2021;65:60-70. doi:10.1016/j.pcad.2021.03.003
Alakbarzade V, Pereira AC.Cerebral catheter angiography and its complications.Pract Neurol.
2018;18(5):393-398. doi:10.1136/practneurol-2018-001986
Mafraji MA (2023).Angiography.
InMerck Manual Professional Version.
Merck & Co., Inc.
American Heart Association.What is a coronary angiogram?
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health.Coronary artery bypass grafting.
2024;13(3):870. doi:10.3390/jcm13030870
