Doctor, what is an angiogram and why have I been asked to have one done?

May 17 05:18 2016 Print This Article

An angiogram is a type of x-ray test that is done to see the blood flow in an artery or vein. It is normally used to examine the blood vessels in the chest, head, back, arms, legs and abdomen.

• A coronary angiogram looks at the arteries near the heart.
• A pulmonary angiogram at those near the lungs.
• A cerebral angiogram is used for the blood vessels near the brain.
• Carotid angiogram examines the blood vessels in the head and neck.
• An aortogram examines the aorta.
• A peripheral angiogram looks at the vessels in the arms and legs.

How is Coronary Angiogram done?

A thin tube known as a catheter is inserted by a heart specialist into a blood vessel in the groin or just above the elbow and guided to the area to be examined. An iodine dye is injected into the blood vessel to provide contrast and make the x-ray image more clear. The images are studied by a cardiologist to determine what, if any, problems exist and to decide on the course of treatment.

Two variations of the normal angiogram are the computed tomography angiogram (CTA) and the magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA). These tests are less invasive than the normal angiogram. Some of these tests, depending on the specific nature, require the use of a contrast dye. A CTA also involves radiation exposure. Your heart doctor will decide on which option is best for you.

Patient Testimonial

“Dr B Vijaya Sekharan , MD, DM took complete care and did comprehensive analysis & Angiogram for my father. Thanks very much for his detailed attention and thanks to Kauvery Hospital overall.

– Balamurugan Selvaraju

Why it is done

The common reasons are to:

• Find problems that affect the flow in the blood vessels. These include tears in the vessels, weaknesses in the vessel walls and narrowing that restricts the flow.
• Find changes in the blood vessels in organs that may be damaged or injured and which contribute to the problem.
• Reveal the pattern of blood flow to a tumor. This will help in determining the way the tumor is spreading and will assist in deciding on the course of treatment.
• Understand the condition of diseased blood vessels in the leg which can result in severe pain when walking.
• Examine the nature of atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries. Locate the source of internal bleeding as occurs when an ulcer is present.
• Show the location, condition and number of renal arteries before a kidney transplantis performed.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a coronary angiogram?

A coronary angiogram is an x-ray test used to examine the arteries near the heart to identify any blockages or issues affecting blood flow.

2. How is a coronary angiogram performed?

 A heart specialist inserts a thin tube (catheter) into a blood vessel in the groin or above the elbow, guides it to the heart area, and injects iodine dye to provide clear x-ray images.

3. Why would I need a coronary angiogram?

A coronary angiogram is needed to find problems affecting blood flow, detect vessel tears or weaknesses, locate narrowing in vessels, and understand atherosclerosis in coronary arteries.

4. What are the alternatives to a coronary angiogram?

Computed tomography angiogram (CTA) and magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) are less invasive alternatives that also use contrast dye and, in the case of CTA, involve radiation exposure.

5. Can a coronary angiogram detect tumors?

Yes, a coronary angiogram can reveal the pattern of blood flow to a tumor, helping determine its spread and the best course of treatment.

6. Why choose Kauvery Hospital for a coronary angiogram?

 Kauvery Hospital offers comprehensive healthcare services with a team of experienced heart specialists and cardiologists across multiple branches in Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli, and Trichy.

Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.

Chennai – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4003500 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801