What Is an Angiogram? Understanding the Procedure

If you have a cardiac or vascular condition, your cardiologist may recommend an angiogram to diagnose it. It’s helpful to know what to expect before, during, and after the procedure. Dr. G. Mark Jenkins and Dr. Luis Bowen at Cardiac & Vascular Interventional Group provide a wide range of cardiovascular services, including angiograms in Dallas metroplex and DeSoto, TX.

What You Need To Know About an Angiogram

An angiogram is a procedure that uses X-ray technology to view the coronary arteries. It is often used in combination with other heart tests as part of cardiac catheterization.

An angiogram may be recommended if you have:

• Recurrent chest pain
• Radiating pain in your chest, jaw, neck, or arm
• Blood vessel problems
• A congenital heart condition
• Irregularities from other cardiac testing
• A cardiac condition requiring surgery

To prepare for an angiogram, you need to:

• Avoid drinking or eating for several hours before the test
• Find out if you should take your regular medicines before the test
• Let your provider know if you have diabetes because you may need diabetes medicine beforehand

An angiogram is typically performed in a cardiac catheterization laboratory. Don’t wear contact lenses, eyeglasses, jewelry, or hairpins to your appointment.

Electrodes are placed on your chest, arms, and legs to monitor your heartbeat throughout the test. You will receive a sedative through an IV to help you remain comfortable and calm during the procedure.

A small incision is made in your leg or wrist, and a thin, flexible tube is placed in the artery and guided into the heart. The dye flows through the tube to illuminate the blood vessels. Images are taken to see how the dye moves and if it is reduced or blocked in an area.

If narrowing or a blockage is found, a balloon can be passed through the tube and into the blockage to open the artery. Your cardiologist may place a stent to keep the artery open. After the procedure, the incision is closed.

Want To Know More About an Angiogram?

To discover more about angiograms and how they can help you, call Dr. Jenkins and Dr. Bowen at Cardiac & Vascular Interventional Group in Dallas metroplex and DeSoto, TX. You can reach them at their Dallas and DeSoto, TX, offices by calling (469) 437-3560, so call today.