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Angiography

(Catheter Angiography; Arteriography; Angiogram)

by Michael Jubinville, MPH

Definition

Reasons for Procedure

Possible Complications

What to Expect

Call Your Doctor

En Español

Related Media: Coronary Angiography

Definition

An angiography is an image test of blood vessels. A special dye is used with the test. It will make the blood vessels easier to see.

Angiography

Reasons for Procedure

Angiography may be done to do one or more of the following:

Find blood vessels that are narrowed, enlarged, or blocked
Look for blood that may be leaking from the blood vessels to another part of the body
Fix blocked blood vessels

Possible Complications

Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will review potential problems such as:

Allergic reaction to the chemical used
Abnormal heartbeats, called arrhythmias
Bleeding where the catheter was placed
Damage to blood vessels—this can lead to organ and tissue damage
Kidney damage from contrast matter
Infection
Stroke

The risk of complications is higher for people with:

Kidney problems
Diabetes
Bleeding disorders
Allergies—mainly to contrast matter, iodine, or medicine

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

The doctor will review previous tests. You may also be asked to stop certain medicine.

Arrange for a ride to and from the procedure.

Anesthesia

Medicine will be used to numb the site of injection. A sedative may also be given to help you relax.

Description of the Procedure

An area on the groin, upper thigh, arm, or neck will be cleaned. A small cut will be made. A catheter (tube) will be passed through the cut into a blood vessel. The tube will be passed through blood vessels to the problem area. A dye will be passed through the tube. It will highlight the blood vessels on a screen in the room. When the test is complete the tube will be removed. Pressure will be applied to the insertion site for 10 minutes. A bandage will be placed over the area.

How Long Will It Take?

Less than an hour. It can take many hours if the doctor decides to fix any problems at the same time.

How Much Will It Hurt?

It is not painful, but you may feel:

A brief sting when the numbing medicine is injected
Pressure when the tube is inserted
Hot and flushed when the dye is added

Post-procedure Care

At the Care Center

You will need to lie flat for some time. It will help to stop bleeding at the insertion site. The length of stay depends on why the test was needed and overall health.

At Home

Most can return to normal activity within a couple of days.

Results

The doctor will talk to you about the results. You may need further testing or treatment.

Call Your Doctor

Call your doctor if any of these happen:

Signs of infection such as fever or chills
Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or any discharge from the site
Extreme sweating, nausea, or vomiting
Extreme pain
Extreme chest pain
Leg or arm feels cold, turns white or blue, or becomes numb or tingly
Trouble breathing
Problems speaking or seeing
Weakness in the face

If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.

RESOURCES:

American Heart Association
https://www.heart.org

Radiology Info—Radiological Society of North America
https://www.radiologyinfo.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca

The College of Family Physicians of Canada
https://www.cfpc.ca

References:

Angiogram. Society for Vascular Surgery website. Available at: https://vascular.org/patient-resources/vascular-tests/angiogram. Accessed March 21, 2018.

Catheter angiography. Radiology Info—Radiological Society of North America website. Available at: https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=angiocath. Updated January 20, 2018. Accessed March 21, 2018.

Coronary angiography. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website. Available at: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/coronary-angiography. Accessed March 21, 2018.

Last reviewed March 2019 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Michael J. Fucci, DO, FACC
Last Updated: 3/21/2019

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