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 may be done to do one or more of the following:
Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will review potential problems such as:
The risk of complications is higher for people with:
The doctor will review previous tests. You may also be asked to stop certain medicine.
Arrange for a ride to and from the procedure.
Medicine will be used to numb the site of injection. A sedative may also be given to help you relax.
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.
Less than an hour. It can take many hours if the doctor decides to fix any problems at the same time.
It is not painful, but you may feel:
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.
Most can return to normal activity within a couple of days.
The doctor will talk to you about the results. You may need further testing or treatment.
Call your doctor if any of these happen:
If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.
American Heart Association
Radiology Info—Radiological Society of North America
Health Canada
The College of Family Physicians of Canada
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
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.