An angiogram is an imaging test used to map out your blood vessels and find exactly where a narrowing or blockage is located.
If the angiogram finds a blockage that is restricting your blood flow, the doctor will usually proceed directly to an angioplasty during the exact same appointment. An angioplasty is the actual treatment to fix the problem — using a tiny balloon to stretch the blocked artery wide open.
Common Indications for Angiography
Your doctor may request an angiogram to:
- Find the cause of new chest pain or shortness of breath.
- Investigate severe cramping in your legs when you walk.
- Locate blockages in the arteries of your neck or kidneys.
- Identify the source of unexplained internal bleeding.
What exactly do they do?
An angiogram provides a clear, moving picture of your blood flow. If a blockage is found, an angioplasty stretches the artery back open. Often, a tiny metal mesh tube (called a stent) is left behind inside the artery to act like a permanent scaffold, ensuring the vessel stays propped open.
What happens during the procedure?
- You will lie flat on an exam table under an X-ray machine.
- The doctor will numb the skin over an artery, usually in your groin or wrist.
- A tiny, flexible tube (catheter) is inserted into the artery.
- Contrast dye is injected, and X-ray images are taken as the dye flows through your body.
- If an angioplasty is needed, a balloon-tipped wire is threaded to the blockage and inflated to push the plaque against the artery wall.
Do I need to prepare?
Yes. You will likely be asked to fast (no food or drink) for 6 to 8 hours before the test. You must tell your doctor if you take blood thinners or diabetes medications, as these might need to be paused.
How long does it take?
An angiogram takes about 30 to 60 minutes. If an angioplasty is added, it will take roughly 1 to 2 hours total.
Will it be painful?
No, you will receive local numbing medicine and IV sedation to keep you relaxed. When the dye is injected, you may feel a sudden, warm flush spread over your body. If a balloon is inflated, you might feel a brief moment of pressure or discomfort in your chest, back, or leg, but it should pass the moment the balloon is deflated.
Conclusion
Angiography and angioplasty are safe, minimally invasive procedures. The angiogram acts as the compass to find the blockage, and the angioplasty provides a targeted, effective fix to restore your blood flow and relieve your symptoms without the need for open surgery.