Has your doctor told you that you need to have an angiogram? You may have felt a little scared and nervous when you heard the name. "What is this? Is it a major operation? Will it hurt?" Many questions may have come to mind. But this is really nothing to be afraid of. Today, we will talk about this very simply, in a way that you can understand.
What exactly is an angiogram?
Simply put, an angiogram is a special X-ray of your blood vessels ( arteries ) . Much like watching cars drive on a road, it allows doctors to see how blood flows through your body. In particular, it can help determine if any blood vessels are blocked, narrowed, or have other problems.
Think of it like checking to see if there's a 'traffic jam' somewhere in the main arteries (blood vessels) that carry blood to your heart, brain, and legs. This test can help your doctor diagnose and plan treatment for conditions like:
- Coronary artery disease: This is a blockage or narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the heart.
- Peripheral artery disease: Blockages in the arteries that carry blood, especially to the legs.
- Blood clots: Blood clots form inside blood vessels.
- Aneurysm: A weakening of the wall of a blood vessel, causing it to bulge like a balloon.
How do you prepare for an angiogram?
You have a little preparation to do before this test. It is very important to follow these things exactly.
| Preparatory steps | Description and things to remember |
|---|---|
| Talking to the doctor about medication | Tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, especially blood thinners (e.g., clopidogrel, warfarin ). Your doctor will tell you how many days before the test you should stop taking them. Never stop taking any medications without first asking your doctor. |
| If you have diabetes | If you have diabetes, ask your doctor exactly how to take insulin or diabetes medication. |
| Fasting | Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before the test. On the morning of the test, you will only be allowed to drink liquids such as water. Ask about that carefully. |
| On the day of the test | - Leave your valuables, such as jewelry and money, at home. - Arrange in advance for someone to take you back home. - Bring a list of medications you take and a document about any allergies you have. |
What happens during an angiogram?
The way to do this is very simple. You have nothing to worry about.
1. Sedation: First, you will be given a medicine to relax and calm you down. Sometimes, you may even be put to sleep completely. So you won't feel any discomfort.
2. Numbing the area: First, the doctor will numb the skin on your groin or wrist so that you don't feel any pain.
3. Catheter insertion: Next, a thin, long tube-like device (this is called a catheter) is carefully inserted into a blood vessel through the incision. You may feel a slight pinch when it is inserted, but it should not be painful.
4. Contrast Dye Injection: Through this catheter, a special dye is injected into the blood vessel to be examined. When this injection is done, you may feel a slight tingling sensation or a feeling of needing to urinate for a few seconds. This is very normal, don't worry.
5. Taking an X-ray: After the catheter is inserted into the body, pictures are taken using an X-ray machine. This catheter allows the doctor to clearly see the blood flow inside the blood vessels and any blockages on a TV screen.
The entire process can usually take anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours, depending on your condition and whether you need on-site treatment, if necessary.
If there is a blockage, will you treat it on the spot?
Yes, sometimes they do. If the doctor sees a blockage in a blood vessel during the angiogram, they can treat it right away.
- Angioplasty: This involves inserting a small balloon into the blocked artery and inflating it to widen the blocked artery.
- Stent placement: After angioplasty, a small mesh-like tube (stent) is placed in the widened artery to keep it from getting blocked again.
For some severe blockages, the doctor may also recommend bypass surgery on a separate day.
What should I do after the test and when I go home?
When the test is finished, a bandage is placed over the catheter insertion site and pressure is applied for about 15 minutes to stop the bleeding.
- Rest: If the catheter was inserted through your leg, you will be asked to lie down in bed for about 4-6 hours.
- Going home: You can go home the same day or the next day. However, because you have been given medication, you cannot drive . You must have someone to drive you home.
- At home: Avoid lifting or bending heavy objects for two days after you go home. It's best to have someone with you the first night.
- Drink water: Drink plenty of water to quickly wash away the dye applied to your body.
- Diabetics: If you are taking the drug `Metformin` for diabetes, the doctor will tell you not to take it for 48 hours after the test.
Are there any risks in this?
An angiogram is a very low-risk procedure. Complications occur in less than 1% of cases. However, as with any medical procedure, there are some very small risks.
| Possible complication | Description |
|---|---|
| Bruises | This is a common occurrence and will resolve on its own within 1-3 weeks. |
| Bleeding/infection | There may be some minor bleeding or infection at the site of the catheter insertion. |
| Allergy to dyes | Very rarely, some people may be allergic to this type of dye. |
| Effect on the kidneys | Very rarely, these dyes can affect the kidneys, especially in people with pre-existing kidney disease. |
| Other serious risks | The risk of having a heart attack or stroke is very, very low. |
If you have these symptoms, call your doctor immediately.
After returning home, if you experience any of the following symptoms, do not delay and call your doctor or go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU).
- If there is bleeding from the catheter insertion site.
- If the area is swollen, painful, or feels like a lump .
- If you feel tingling, weakness, or extreme warmth in the arm or leg where the catheter was inserted.
- If you get a fever .
- If you find it difficult to speak or smile .
- If you have pain that doesn't go away even after taking medication.
Take-Home Message
- An angiogram is a special , low-risk X-ray test that checks the condition of your blood vessels.
- This is not a major surgery. You won't feel much pain.
- Follow the doctor's instructions carefully before the test, especially regarding medication and fasting.
- It is very important to rest well and drink plenty of water after the test.
- If any dangerous symptoms appear, seek medical advice without delay.
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