An angiogram is a test that uses x-rays to look for narrowing or blockages in coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart. An angioplasty is a procedure that widens the blocked artery.
This is a step-by-step video showing what happens during an angiogram and angioplasty procedure.
Video produced by Dr. Eric Cohen and Brent Creelman (Communications & Stakeholder Relations at Sunnybrook)
An angiogram is a medical test that helps doctors see how blood is flowing through your blood vessels. It is commonly used to check the arteries around the heart, but it can also be used to look at blood vessels in other parts of the body. During the test, a special dye called contrast is injected into the blood vessels, and X-ray images are taken to show any narrowing, blockages or other concerns.
Your doctor may recommend an angiogram if you have symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, unexplained tiredness, or if other heart tests suggest there may be reduced blood flow to the heart. It can help diagnose conditions such as coronary artery disease, where fatty deposits narrow the arteries. The results can also help your specialist decide whether you need medication, lifestyle changes, angioplasty, a stent, or further treatment.
Before the procedure, your healthcare team will explain what to expect and give you specific instructions. You may be asked not to eat or drink for several hours before the test. Let your doctor know if you have any allergies, especially to contrast dye or iodine, or if you have kidney problems, diabetes, bleeding problems, or are taking blood-thinning medication. You should also tell your healthcare team about all medicines and supplements you take. In most cases, you will need someone to drive you home afterwards.
An angiogram is usually done in hospital or a specialist clinic. You will normally be awake, but you may be given medicine to help you relax. A local anaesthetic is used to numb the area where the catheter is inserted, usually in the wrist or groin. A thin tube called a catheter is then gently guided through the blood vessel to the area being examined. Contrast dye is injected through the catheter, and X-ray images are taken. You may feel warmth, flushing, mild pressure or the need to pass urine when the dye is injected. The test is usually not painful, although you may feel some pressure at the insertion site.
An angiogram is a common procedure and serious complications are uncommon, but like all medical tests, there are some risks. These can include bruising, bleeding or soreness where the catheter was inserted. Some people may have an allergic reaction to the contrast dye. Rare risks include infection, blood vessel damage, irregular heartbeat, kidney problems from the dye, stroke or heart attack. Your healthcare team will discuss your personal risk before the procedure.
After the test, you will be monitored while you recover. You may need to lie still for a few hours, especially if the catheter was inserted through the groin, to reduce the chance of bleeding. Many people go home the same day, although some may need to stay in hospital overnight. It is common to have mild bruising or tenderness for a few days.
At home, follow your discharge instructions carefully. Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous activity and driving until your healthcare team says it is safe. Drink plenty of fluids unless you have been told otherwise, as this can help flush the contrast dye from your body. Contact your doctor or seek urgent medical help if you notice heavy bleeding, increasing swelling, severe pain, numbness, fever, chest pain, shortness of breath, or if the insertion site becomes red, hot or very painful.
An angiogram can provide important information about your blood vessels and help your doctor recommend the best treatment plan for your heart and overall health.
