Trusted By
10,000+ People
Understanding Angiography in Waco, Tx
Angiography is an advanced technique used to examine blood vessels with the use of x-ray imaging. But it is a more advanced form of an x-ray, as a normal x-ray cannot show clear blood vessels. Angiography is a process that highlights the blood vessels for the doctor to see the proper results. The images created through x-ray during angiography are called angiograms.
Need for an angiogram in Waco, Tx
An angiogram is done using an x-ray to check your heart’s blood vessels. Your doctor or physician may recommend an angiogram in case you have any blockages, bulging or any other heart problems. Apart from this, an angiogram is done to locate any artery or vein issue in your kidneys, legs or neck.
During this process, the radiologist will clean the area and insert a catheter. The catheter will be inserted in the number portion of the artery. Then the radiologists study the x-ray on the machine and guide the catheter into the artery.
You will not feel any movement in your arteries. Once all the examination is done the physician will remove the catheter from the artery. This removal process is not painful. But simultaneously some pressure is applied to the area where the catheter was for 10-20 minutes.
Reasons to conduct this test in Waco, Tx
There are several reasons why an angiogram test is done. An angiogram test is due for these reasons:
- Blood clots
- Atherosclerosis
- Aneurysm
Who performs an angiography in Waco, Tx?
Radiologists perform an angiogram. The doctor is specialized in handling x-ray equipment. Waco cardiology associates is the best clinic to get your angiogram test in Waco, texas done.
How does an angiogram test work?
It is not a painful test instead the doctors will give you a local anaesthetic injection to avoid any pain. Once the area is numb only then the catheter will be inserted. A catheter is a tube which is inserted in the artery during the procedure. Then a dye is injected into the tube (catheter). The doctor performs a series of x-rays as the dye keeps flowing through the vessels.
What is the procedure of angiography?
Here are the steps that are required for the procedure of angiography.
Mentally prepare the patient
It is equally important to prepare the patient mentally as it is to perform the angiography in the right manner. As the incision is made in this procedure so the patient should not panic at all. You will have to lie on an x-ray table. Your head is kept in a position so that it does not move. And your blood pressure and heart rate will be monitored throughout the test.
Insert the catheter
Although an incision might sound daunting to you. But you will be given an anaesthetic injection to make the area numb and will feel absolutely no pain. Next dye is inserted with the help of a catheter and as it moves the doctor will perform the x-ray.
Taking x-ray pictures
The doctors take the picture once the contrast agent (dye) is injected when the catheter is in the proper place. The radiologist will start taking the images. You should remain still during this procedure else it can result in blurry images. You might feel a hot sensation once the dye is injected. But you do not have to make any moment in this procedure.
Removing the catheter
The removing part is easy and will not hurt at all. You will feel some pressure as it is applied in order to stop your artery from bleeding. And at last, a bandage will be applied.
How do I prepare for an angiogram test in Waco, Tx ?
The preparation list for an angiogram test requires the following steps.
Be on a liquid diet
Avoid eating any solid food and be on a liquid diet for hours prior to the test. In fact, it is advisable to be on clear liquids 2 hours prior to the procedure, so that no undigested food is left. Even if you have any digestive problems your doctor will recommend you to be on a clear liquid diet before the angiography procedure.
Proper medications
If you are a diabetes patient you should inform your doctor. He or she will give you instructions for the dosages accordingly. Before the procedure make sure to inform your doctor about all the medication you have been taking.
Share about your allergies
If you are allergic to contrast agent (dye) let your radiologist know it. Or if you feel he needs to know any particular sort of allergy that you have, please share it with him. Try to tell him a few days before the procedure.
No smoking
You should not smoke at least 25 hours before the angiography procedure.
Pregnancy
Inform your doctor before the procedure about your pregnancy.
What should I expect after an angiogram test?
After the procedure, you will be taken to the general ward for rest. There you will have to lie down for a few hours in order to stop the bleeding from the cut.
- You should eat and drink soon after you feel like it. As a contrast agent (dye) leaves your body through urine. So for this, you will have to drink plenty of water.
- Keep a help with you. As you might need them for at least 24 hours after the procedure.
- Although you can come back to your normal schedule after 1 day. But it is advisable to avoid lifting anything heavy for a few days.
- You might get some bruises for at least a few days after the procedure
- Avoid having any sexual intercourse for at least three days.
- Avoid smoking or having alcohol for sometime
- You should also avoid doing any exercises followed for three days.
Why is angiography needed?
The purpose of angiography is mainly to
- Discover blockages in coronary, pulmonary, cerebral and other blood vessels.
- Find any signs of internal bleeding
- Finding any abnormal blood flow
- Discover any problems related to the structure of the heart
- Locate any obstructions that need to be removed
What are the risks of an angiogram test?
There are major and minor complications associated with an angiogram test. Dig in this blog to know more.
Minor complications include
- A small bump near the cut as sometimes the blood gets collected in that area. But this complication will go on within a few days.
- An infection where the cut was put. The area might become red, swollen and might be a little painful. You might also feel hot near the area.
- A minor reaction to the contrast agent i.e. dye. You might get a rash due to this which can be cured with medicine.
Major complications include
- Your kidneys can damage due to dye
- You can get a heart attack
- Damage to the blood vessels can cause internal bleeding. For this surgery will be needed.
- Any allergic reaction to the dye leaves you feeling dizzy.
The above serious complication is very rare on a case-to-case basis.
What is the cost of angiography in Waco, Tx?
The cost depends on the seriousness of the problem. There are also some charitable hospitals that do it in lesser amounts. On the same hand, it is done free in some camps.
The cost of this procedure also depends on the price varying in different hospitals and cities.
What happens during an angiogram test?
- Numb the area where the catheter will be guided
- Approach the blood vessels through a needle
- Put a long tube called a catheter over the needle and slide it into the larger artery. This is done using the groin area.
- Thread the tube through the artery until it reaches the blood vessel they want to examine.
- Inject a contrast agent through a catheter in the blood vessel.
- Take the x-ray
What to wear during an angiogram?
Angiograms are usually an invasive process so a patient should prefer wearing loose-fitted clothes. as you might also need to rest up to a few hours after it depending on the seriousness of the problem. So you would be uncomfortable in tight clothing. In certain hospitals also they will give you gowns to wear so that you can feel comfortable during and even after the process. Try wearing flat shoes to avoid any complications while walking after the process is done.
Summing Up
If there is any blockage that should be treated through angioplasty then. Once the doctors inject the dye you might feel the urge to pee also.
To add to your information when an angiogram is done an anaesthetic injection is given. So in case you want to drive and go home back after the test will be done. You will not be in the condition to drive because of the injection. Get someone along with you to take care of as well as help you in reaching home safely. Once your test is done some women also experience little headaches.
You should also avoid wearing any tight objects, rings or pieces of jewelry during this test. You should always prefer to call your doctor immediately if you see any post complications once you are home too. This will avoid any further risks.
FAQ’S
Is angiography very painful?
As the doctors usually numb the area with the anaesthetic injections unless you are allergic to the injections. You might feel pressure or a little pulling but this procedure does not involve any pain. Any sort of discomfort is common but that too will be very less. So if you are worried about any pain then you should know that angiography is generally a very painless procedure.
How long does the angiography test take?
An angiography test takes around 30 minutes to two hours. Sometimes it can take very little time which is less than 15 minutes. You can go home on the same day as the test once it is done safely.
How serious is angiography?
It is not a serious test depending on why your doctors want to do it. It may help them know any problems related to your heart.
Is angiography a surgery?
It is not surgery as a small cut is made in the procedure. It is usually an x-ray scan.
Can an angiogram clear blockage?
Angiograms can treat narrow coronary arteries through a technique called angioplasty. So an angiogram will show the blockage but the blockage can be treated only through angioplasty. Apart from this, your doctor will give you instructions if he sees any sort of blockage during the procedure.
Which is better: a CT scan or an angiogram?
A CT scan is a non-invasive process but an angiogram needs invasion. There is also a procedure named CT angiography which is also a less invasive procedure. But the traditional forms of the angiogram are the best. In an angiography, the tube is inserted and in a CT angiogram, there are no insertions are made.
What is the success rate of angiography?
The success rate of angiography is 97%. The success rate also depends on the procedure being performed and the seriousness of the problem. As it is said that the complication of angiography is very less and rare. So it has good success but then again it depends on the different sorts of patients getting the test done.
What are the 3 risks of having an angiogram?
- You can have kidney damage due to the dye
- There are chances of heart attack or heart stroke
- There can be damage to the blood vessels which can also lead to internal bleeding
What should I expect on the date of my angiogram?
On the date of your angiogram just be prepared for everything if you have any doubts try clearing them with your doctor before the procedure. This test is performed in the laboratory of the hospital. You will be lying on a table a little awake but mildly unconscious due to a local anesthetic injection. This injection is applied to an area on your leg or on your wrist. You have to make minimum movement during the procedure so the doctor will place your head straight. Avoid making movement at that time. Remember to take all your medicines with you to the hospital during the test.
Best Clinic to Get Angiography in Waco, Tx
If you’re looking for the best clinic to get angiography in Waco, Tx, look no further than Lonestar Heart & Wellness. We have a highly experienced and skilled cardiologist who can provide you with the best care possible. The staff at Lonestar Heart & Wellness is also very friendly and helpful, so you can be sure that you’ll be in good hands.
