If you are reading this, you probably want to know more about angiography. An angiogram is a diagnostic procedure that uses imaging to show your healthcare provider how blood flows through your heart or blood vessels. When contrast material is infused, blood flow and blockages are easier to see. To complete your angiography, your provider may choose to use X-rays or other imaging techniques.
If you experience signs of damaged, obstructed, or abnormal blood vessels, your healthcare provider may recommend an angiogram procedure. An angiogram done by your provider will reveal the cause of the issue as well as the extent of damage to your blood vessels. Angiography can be used by your healthcare provider to identify and treat diseases such as aneurysms, blood clotting, peripheral artery disease, and coronary artery disease.
Understanding how angiography works will help you ensure that it’s the right procedure for you. Your healthcare provider may see the angiogram procedure, in which an X-ray machine injects the contrast material. A screen shows your blood flow and any blockages in your blood vessels.
Understanding that your provider gives you medication to ensure your comfort and calm throughout the angiography procedure is essential. Most patients are sedated, while others are placed to sleep under general anesthetic. In any case, someone will have to drive you home.
To determine the extent of blood clotting, your healthcare provider can suggest a blood test prior to your angiogram. Additionally, they want to ensure the health of your kidneys. Before stopping any medicine, especially anticoagulants and antiplatelets, you should always take the effort to speak with your provider.
The night before your angiography, you should not eat anything after midnight. You should refrain from eating or drinking anything after midnight if you are having the procedure done under general anesthesia. For breakfast on the day of your angiography procedure, only consume clear beverages.
You should also leave your jewelry and other valuables at home and ensure that a trustworthy adult drives you there. In the event that an urgent case takes precedence over yours, kindly ensure that every healthcare provider is aware of your diabetes and bring a book or magazine.
An angiogram might just take fifteen minutes to finish. Some, though, can take a while. When the issue is identified, the course of action your provider takes is determined.
