Question 1

what's an angiogram for?

Accepted Answer

Imaging: To image a blood vessel. This will determine the path, shape, diameter, perfussion territoryand presence or absence of stenosis.

Question 2

is an angiogram painful?

Accepted Answer

No: No, they use numbing medicine like when you go to the dentist.

Question 3

how is an angiogram performed?

Accepted Answer

Dye injection: A tube is placed into a blood vessel and dye is injected. An xray is then done to show the dye flowing through the vessel. If there is a blockage, the vessel becomes narrower or disappears completely.

Question 4

when do you need an angiogram?

Accepted Answer

Angiogram: you need an angiogram when it is important to visualize the blood vessels to a part of the body to aid in diagnosis and treatment decisions. We have radio graphic, nuclear and magnetic resonance forms of angiography each with its indications

Question 5

could you drive after an angiogram?

Accepted Answer

Different angiograms: There are different areas that are studied with different types of angiograms.  If you are having a cardiac angiogram they will be watching you for several  hours after the study to make sure that the injection site is not bleeding.  A pressure dressing will be applied.  If that is the study you are having, it is better that you don't drive yourself.

Question 6

why would someone need an angiogram?

Accepted Answer

Heart disease: Generally the cardiologist suspects significant plaque or stenosis. There would be indicators of cardiovascular disease such as reversible ischemia, positive t-wave alternans, unstable chest pain, non-pulmonary shortness of breath and the angiogram is a diagnostic procedure to allow the cardiologist to evaluate the progress of cardiovascular disease and assess the need for revascularization.

Question 7

what do you feel during an angiogram?

Accepted Answer

Generally okay: The most common symptom is anxiety just from being awake during a medical procedure. You usually get some medicine to help keep you calm. You should not feel pain due to numbing medicine. You may feel pressure while the catheter is put in and starnge feelings as it goes to the blood vessel being evaluated. When the dye is injected some folks feel flushed or warm.

Question 8

how much does it costs for angiograms?

Accepted Answer

Depends: The answer to this question depends on the type of angiogram you need and the location in which it is done. Most are done in the hospital (most expensive). Some md's have the ability do these in the office setting for less but they are still expensive tests to perform. For example, in my office for an aortogram and detailed pictured of both legs the charge is over $1200. Comparable to a ct scan.

Question 9

how long does an angiogram take to perform?

Accepted Answer

Variable: Once the procedure begins, the usually coronary angiogram takes anywhere from 15-30 minutes to perform. Of course, difficulties with access, congenital variations and things like the presence of grafts can all act to increase procedure length.

Question 10

what does an inconclusive angiogram test mean?

Accepted Answer

Borderline: Not everythng is black or white.You could have a blockage in an artery which is not severe so that maybe it has nothing to do with your symptoms. The result then would be inconlusive. The test is not totally normal but the problem may not be severe enough to cause symptoms or require treatment.

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Angiogram

A member asked:

What's an angiogram for?

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Is an angiogram painful?

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How is an angiogram performed?

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When do you need an angiogram?

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Could you drive after an angiogram?

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Why would someone need an angiogram?

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What do you feel during an angiogram?

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How much does it costs for angiograms?

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How long does an angiogram take to perform?

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What does an inconclusive angiogram test mean?

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