What Is An Angiogram? And Why Do You Need It?
An angiogram is a type of medical diagnostic test that is used to see inside the blood vessels of your body. This test intends to find out if you have any blockages in your blood vessels or not. This test is ordered by cardiologists and can be used to get a closer look at your cardiac health. So, let’s learn more about Angiogram, how it is performed, who needs it, and when.
What Is An Angiogram & Its Procedure?
An angiogram test uses a contrast substance that is injected into your veins and arteries to see the flow of blood inside your body. It can be used to check if your blood vessels have any blockage or if the blood is flowing normally as it should or not. Once the contrast liquid is injected into the patient, they are put under x-rays, which are used to see inside the body and to locate any blockages in the arteries.
The procedure of an angiogram goes as follows:
Contrast liquid is injected into the veins or arteries of the patient, close to the organ that is to be monitored.
The patient is put under x-rays to look inside their body and see the flow of blood in their blood vessels.
The radiologists are able to see any blockages or disruptions in blood flow to the monitored organ.
This test can be performed to test the blood flow to your heart, kidneys, neck, or legs. This test is performed by interventional cardiologists and radiologists based on its location. Angiograms can also be performed on your brain, which is cerebral angiograms performed by interventional neurologists.
Why Do You Need An Angiogram?
Your general doctor or a cardiologist can ask for an angiogram to see if the blood flow inside your body is normal or not. However, other specific conditions can be diagnosed by an angiogram test. So, here are some of the states/diseases that doctors detect using an angiogram test.
Blood clots
Coronary artery disease
Aneurysms
Atherosclerosis
Peripheral artery disease
What Are The Risks Of An Angiogram?
Even though an angiogram is a relatively safe diagnostic test, there are certain risks involved. Let’s learn about the risks of an angiogram.
Bleeding
Infection
Bruise, which goes away in less than three weeks
Kidney issues
Pain
Allergic reaction to the contrast material pumped inside your blood vessels
Blood vessel injury, blockage which can cause a heart attack or a leak in your blood vessel (these situations are extremely rare)
These risks are mentioned just for your safety; all of these risks are quite rare except for a few which are not harmful to your health. The pain from this test can go away in a few hours or a day at most. Infections, kidney issues, bleeding, and allergic reactions are rare.
How Does The Patient Recover From An Angiogram?
An angiogram is not a serious medical procedure, which means the patient can leave the hospital right after the test is over. This test is performed under anesthesia, so the patient is required to be assisted by a family member while returning from the test center.
After you are home from an angiogram, doctors suggest that you take leave from heavy activity for two days to allow your incision to heal properly. Also, if you have diabetes, doctors will advise you not to take certain medications after the test as it will keep you safe from kidney complications.
Overall, an angiogram is not a procedure that would require a lengthy recovery period; you should be able to get up and running in less than two days after your procedure.
Conclusion
So, now that you know what an angiogram is, get to the best test center near you for your test. This will help you remain safe from the risks of an angiogram. And if you are located in Rajasthan, be sure to visit MediPulse hospital in Jodhpur for the best angiogram test experience and cardiology department. Check out the hospital website for information about angiogram tests at MediPulse.
