What is an Angiogram?

An angiogram is an x-ray exam that enables the radiologist to study your arteries, blood vessels, and organs by injecting a contrast material into your blood vessels, so they may be viewed on an x-ray film. This is an "invasive procedure, because it requires the injection into the patient of a substance that is radiopaque, absorbs X-Rays. The doctor will insert a small tube, catheter, into the blood vessel and then he/she will inject x-ray contrast dye that makes the vessels visible when the x-ray pictures are being taken. This will then allow the doctor to determine how well the blood moves through the vessels of your brain, lung, abdomen, arms or legs.

Who will perform the examination?

The X-ray pictures will be studied by the radiologist and a report will be sent to your doctor who will discuss the results with you and answer your questions.

Why do I need a Angiogram?

You may need an angiogram because your doctor suspects there is abnormal blood flow or your symptoms suggest blockage of an artery. There are many examples of this. A blocked artery in the leg may cause pain in the your leg when you walk. Blocked arteries to the brain may cause vision problems and weakness, and blocked kidneys arteries may cause high blood pressure. This test can identify the exact location where the artery is blocked, if it is severe, and what is causing the blockage, some of the causes of blocked arteries are blood clots and hardening of the arteries, which are also known as atherosclerosis.

There are other reasons to need this angiogram, one is the presence of an aneurysm in the body. An aneurysm is an area of the vessel (artery) that has ballooned out. Even if this has been detected by other studies such as ultrasound, CAT scan, or MRI, an angiogram may be necessary to see more in detail and to plan the method of treatment. They are sometimes used by surgeons to plan the extent of an operation or the best surgical procedure for you.

Other conditions that angiographies are used to diagnose are heart attacks, stroke, kidney tumors, narrowing of the renal artery and increased blood pressure in the portal vein.

Are Angiographies also used for treatment?

Yes. Angiographies are also performed to assist in certain types of treatment that eliminate the need for surgery. For example, in cases where the inside of the artery is narrowed, a small balloon can be inflated at the tip of the catheter to widen this area. This procedure is known as a balloon angioplasty. Another form of treatment that angiographies are used for is to inject material that reduces or shuts off the blood supply to tumors. By using an angiography, medication can also be sent directly to blood vessels to control bleeding. Angiographies can also be used to send medication directly into the blood supply to individual organs.

How do I prepare for an Angiogram?

It is important that you do not eat or drink anything after midnight before your exam. You may have a small amount of water or another clear liquid with any medications you need to take. Be sure to ask your doctor if you have any questions regarding eating or drinking before your exam.

Next>> Part 2 - How is the procedure done?