What is an angiogram?

An angiogram is the image made during a type of scan that shows your blood vessels in your body. This procedure is known as angiography.

A special dye (contrast) is injected into your bloodstream so your doctor can see your blood vessels on a scan.

Conventional (traditional) angiography uses x-rays and contrast agent (a type of dye) to produce angiogram pictures in real time (during the scan).

Other types of angiography use computed tomography (CT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to take the images.

Angiography can be used to look at blood vessels in or around your:

• heart
• lungs
• brain
• kidneys
• legs
• other parts of your body

What are the benefits of an angiogram?

Angiograms help doctors diagnose problems such as:

• abnormal blood vessels
• blood clots
• narrowing or blockages of blood vessels

Coronary angiograms show the blood vessels that supply your heart. They can show if you have narrowing of your coronary arteries.

Pulmonary angiograms show the blood vessels in your lungs. They can be used to see if there is narrowing of a blood vessel, or to look for blood clots in your lungs.

A conventional angiogram can also be used to diagnose and treat problems during the same procedure. For example, it can help open narrowed arteries with a balloon (angioplasty) or a tiny metal tube (stent), or block blood vessels to stop bleeding (embolisation).

A CT coronary angiogram looks at the coronary arteries. It is non-invasive (doesn't involve needles, tubes or surgery), which means you might not need to stay in hospital to have this procedure.

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What does an angiogram involve?

The process of having an angiogram will depend on the type you have.

Usually, you will have a local anaesthetic to numb the area where a catheter (thin tube) will be inserted. Your doctor may also recommend a sedative medicine to help you relax. The catheter is inserted into a large blood vessel in your arm or groin. The doctor then threads the catheter through your blood vessels to reach the right area.

Contrast agent is injected through the catheter and x-rays are taken. You will need to stay very still or hold your breath while they take images.

When the contrast medium goes in, you might feel temporary flushing (feeling of heat), nausea or headache. Let your doctor know if you are experiencing these or any other symptoms.

If a blockage or clot is found, the doctor might treat the problem during the same procedure. Your health team will explain this and ask for your consent before the angiogram, if there is a chance this may happen.

After an angiogram, the catheter will be carefully removed. The doctor or nurse will put pressure on the wound to reduce your risk of bleeding. You will go to a recovery area for monitoring and to check for bleeding. You will lie flat until it's safe for you to sit up or gently move around.

How can I prepare myself for an angiogram?

Your doctor will talk with you about the procedure and may also help you make an appointment. They will tell you about any risks. This is a good time to ask questions or discuss any concerns.

You may need to:

• fast (have no food or drink) for 4 to 6 hours before the procedure
• stop some medicines
• drink plenty of fluids before you start

Your doctor or radiology provider will give you clear instructions before your procedure.

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How soon will I recover?

You will spend time in recovery to prevent any bleeding complications.

You will need to arrange for someone to help you get home from the test. If you had a sedative, you must not drive after the procedure. You should also have someone stay with you.

Before you leave the hospital, your doctor will discuss your recovery with you and help make a plan that includes:

• lifestyle changes you may need to make
• medicines you may need to take
• rehabilitation services you may be eligible for

What complications can happen?

Most people do not have serious problems, but possible risks include:

• allergic reactions, such as itch, rash or hives
• bruising or pain where the catheter was put in
• temporary rash that starts after a delay
• temporary changes in kidney function

Major complications that might mean your doctor asks you to stay in hospital for longer, or may involve further treatment include:

• bleeding or bruising
• damage to a blood vessel or blood clot
• major allergic reaction
• sudden kidney failure

Angiograms are usually avoided in pregnancy because of radiation exposure to the baby.

It's important to tell your doctor about any previous allergic reactions you have had, before you book the procedure. Tell your doctor if you may be pregnant.

Are there alternatives to an angiogram?

If your doctor has recommended an angiogram, it may be because it is the best option for your health condition.

There are several non-invasive scans that can show your blood vessels and may be used in some situations instead of an angiogram. These tests can help diagnose many conditions, but they cannot treat a problem during the same procedure. Ultrasound (including Doppler ultrasound), CT and MRI are non-invasive imaging techniques that can show blood vessels, but they can only be used for diagnosis, not for treatment.

Your doctor will help you understand your options, and if an alternative is appropriate in your situation.

What will happen if I decide not to have the procedure or it is delayed?

If your angiogram is to help your doctor diagnose a condition and you decide not to have the procedure, your doctor may not be able to confirm the cause of your symptoms or plan treatment optimally.

If you are unsure about whether to have an angiogram, speak with your specialist or general practitioner (GP). They can discuss their recommendations and answer all your questions. It's important that you understand the risks and benefits, so you can make an informed decision.

Resources and support

If you'd like more information or support, the following organisations and services can help:

• Inside Radiology has information on imaging procedures, including angiography.
• The Australian and New Zealand Society for Vascular Surgery has further information on angiograms.
• The Heart Foundation also has helpful information on the coronary angiogram test.
• You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.