You will come to one of our imaging centers and check-in with the front desk. Our caring team will explain everything to you and review your medical history. One of our technologists will guide you to a private room, where you can get settled comfortably on a table. Then, a small tube called a catheter will be gently inserted into a blood vessel. You may feel some discomfort, but it shouldn’t be painful. Once the catheter is in place, a special dye is sent through it, which helps highlight your blood vessels on the images. You might feel a warm sensation as the dye spreads, but it is completely normal.
While the images are being taken, you’ll need to lie still for a while. After the study, the catheter is removed. You will be monitored for a short period of time to make sure everything is okay before you go home, on the same day.
Before your appointment, your physician and our team will share specific guidelines to follow based on your medical history. In general, follow these tips:
• Arrive 15 minutes before your appointment.
• You may need to avoid eating or drinking anything a few hours before the study. We will provide specific instructions on how long to fast.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing containing no metal objects such as jewelry, buttons, belts, and so forth.
• Inform your physician of any new medications you are taking to ensure it is accounted for prior to your appointment.
• Arrange for a loved one to drive you home afterward, as you may feel groggy or tired after your appointment.
Your physician may recommend an angiogram to diagnose conditions such as heart disease, stroke, peripheral artery disease, or aneurysms. It helps them see if there are any blockages, narrowing, or other issues in your blood vessels that could be affecting your health.
The study itself typically takes about 30 – 60 minutes. However, you may have to be monitored for a short period of time after the study before being allowed to head home.