WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What do I need to know about angiography? Angiography is a procedure to look at blood vessels in your body. Angiography can be used to look for narrowing, a blockage, or problems with your blood vessels. It can also be used to check blood flow to organs such as your heart, lungs, or kidneys. Angiography can help your healthcare provider diagnose or treat a medical condition. How do I prepare for angiography? Your healthcare provider will tell you what medicines to take or not take on the day of your procedure. He may tell you not to eat or drink anything for 2 hours before your procedure. Tell your healthcare provider if you think you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or if you have ever had a reaction to contrast liquid. What will happen during angiography? Your healthcare provider will insert a catheter into a vessel in your groin. He may slowly move the catheter to the area where the picture will be taken and inject a contrast liquid. The liquid helps the pictures show up more clearly. You may feel a warm sensation when the contrast liquid is injected. You will need to lie still when the pictures are taken. What will happen after angiography? Your healthcare provider will remove the catheter and place pressure where the catheter was inserted. Rest for 2 to 6 hours after the test, and do not bend where the catheter was placed. What are the risks of angiography? Angiography may increase your risk for bleeding, infection, or a blood clot. You may have an allergic reaction to the contrast liquid. The reaction may include nausea, vomiting, a rash, or abdominal pain. In rare cases, a reaction may lead to heart or kidney problems, or become life-threatening. |