Overview

X-ray angiography is a medical imaging technique that allows doctors to view the inside of your blood vessels, especially arteries. It uses X-ray technology along with a contrast dye injected into your bloodstream. This test helps detect blockages, narrowing, or other abnormalities in the arteries of the heart, brain, kidneys, or limbs. Often referred to as coronary angiography when done for the heart, this procedure is vital for diagnosing and planning treatment for conditions like heart disease, stroke risk, and peripheral artery disease.

Why X-ray Angiography Treatment is Required?

To detect blocked or narrowed arteries, especially in the heart (coronary arteries).

When patients show chest pain or symptoms of heart disease.

To evaluate abnormal results from stress tests or ECG.

To plan treatments like angioplasty, stent placement, or surgery.

To check blood flow in the brain, kidneys, or legs.

When CT angiography or MRI angiography results are inconclusive.

Key Advantages of X-ray Angiography Treatment

Gives clear and accurate images of blood vessels.

Helps doctors make quick, life-saving decisions during emergencies.

Can be combined with treatment for example angioplasty during the same procedure.

More accessible and widely used than MRI angiography.

Proven method for detecting coronary artery disease.

Helpful in detecting aneurysms, clots, or vessel malformations.

How Should You Prepare Yourself Before X-ray Angiography Treatment

Do not eat or drink for 6–8 hours before the procedure.

Inform your doctor about allergies, especially to iodine or contrast dye.

Tell your healthcare provider about kidney problems, diabetes or bleeding issues.

Disclose if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Arrange for someone to drive you home after the test.

Remove all metal objects, such as jewelry.

How X-ray Angiography Treatment is Performed?

You will lie on a special X-ray table.

A small catheter is inserted into an artery (usually in the groin or wrist).

A contrast dye is injected to make the blood vessels visible on the X-ray screen.

The doctor will capture real-time images to locate any blockages.

The catheter is then removed, and pressure is applied to stop bleeding.

The entire procedure usually takes 30–60 minutes.

What You Can Expect Before, During and After Procedure?

1. Before the Procedure:

Medical review and consent form signing.

IV line placement and sedation if needed.

Cleansing and numbing the insertion site.

2. During the Procedure:

You may feel warmth when dye is injected.

Minimal pain or discomfort due to local anesthesia.

Real-time monitoring on the screen.

3. After the Procedure:

You will be monitored in a recovery room for a few hours.

May need to lie still for 4–6 hours if the catheter was placed in the groin.

Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 1–2 days.

Instructions will be provided for site care and medication.

Risk and Potential Complications

Allergic reaction to the contrast dye.

Bleeding or bruising at the catheter site.

Rare chances of blood vessel damage or infection.

Temporary kidney issues due to contrast material.

Radiation exposure (low dose but still a consideration).

Rare complications like stroke or heart attack (very uncommon with experienced teams).

Results/Outcomes

Immediate results about the condition of your blood vessels and heart.

Helps in diagnosing and planning further treatment like stenting or surgery.

Most patients recover quickly with no long-term side effects.

Life-saving in emergency situations like heart attacks.