Why is it done?
Angiography is an x-ray examination of your veins, arteries and heart chambers which looks at blood flow. Angiography may be used to identify the sites of narrowing or blockage in arteries, and can also reveal any blood clots, calcium deposits or any weakening or bulging of your artery walls (aneurysms). Often an angiogram is needed to decide what treatment is necessary for your heart failure.
What does it involve?
A fine, flexible, hollow tube (catheter) is inserted into a blood vessel in your groin or arm. The tip of the tube is positioned either in the heart or at the entry of the arteries supplying the heart before a special dye is injected, which is visible by x-ray. The pictures obtained are known as angiograms.
Questions to ask your doctor:
- What are the risks associated with the procedure?
- How long will the procedure take?
- Is there anything I need to do to prepare for the angiography, i.e. can I eat and drink?
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