Angiogram

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.

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What do I need to know about an angiogram?

An angiogram is used to examine blood flow through your arteries. Arteries carry blood from your heart to your body.

How do I prepare for the procedure?

Your healthcare provider will tell you how to prepare for your procedure. You may be told not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of your procedure. Your provider will tell you which medicines to take or not take on the day of your procedure. Contrast liquid will be used during the procedure to help your arteries show up better in the pictures. Tell your provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid. Arrange to have someone drive you home after your procedure.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

What will happen during the procedure?

• You may be given medicine to help you relax or make you drowsy. You may get local anesthesia to numb the area where the angiogram catheter will go in. Hair may be removed from the procedure site.
• A catheter will be put into an artery in your leg near your groin, or in your arm or wrist. The catheter travels through the artery to the area being studied. Contrast liquid is put through the catheter to help your blood vessels and organs show up better in the x-ray pictures. You may feel warm as the liquid is put into the catheter. You may get a headache or feel nauseated. These feelings should go away quickly.
• Your healthcare providers will remove the catheter and apply pressure to the wound for several minutes. They may place a pressure bandage or other pressure device over the wound to help stop any bleeding.

What will happen after the procedure?

If insertion was in your wrist, the pressure device will be around your wrist. Healthcare providers will slowly decrease pressure in the device. If insertion was in your groin, a pressure bandage will be in place. Keep your arm or leg straight. Do not get out of bed until your healthcare provider says it is okay. Healthcare providers will frequently monitor your vital signs and pulses. They will also frequently check your wound for bleeding. After you are monitored for several hours, you may be able to go home.

What are the risks of the procedure?

• You may bleed heavily after your catheter is removed. The catheter may damage your artery, and you may need surgery to fix the damage. You could have kidney problems from the contrast liquid. You could have an allergic reaction to the contrast liquid or numbing medicine.
• You may develop a blood clot that causes pain and swelling, and stops blood from flowing. A blood clot in your arm or leg can break loose and travel to your lungs and become life-threatening.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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