Angiogram Specialist
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Humble Vascular Surgical Center
Interventional Nephrologist & Interventional Vascular Specialist located in Humble, TX
If you’re feeling short of breath or have chest pain, you might need an angiogram to determine what’s causing your symptoms. At Humble Vascular Surgical Center in Humble, Texas, the experienced medical team offers in-office angiogram services to quickly and accurately identify arterial blockages, so you can receive the treatment you need. To schedule a diagnostic angiogram for unexplained pain and other symptoms of a vascular condition, call Humble Vascular Surgical Center or book an appointment online today.
Angiogram Q&A
What is an angiogram?
An angiogram is a type of X-ray procedure, and the Humble Vascular Surgical Center providers use it to diagnose and treat blockages in your blood vessels.
Blockages occur when cholesterol and fatty plaque builds up on the walls of your arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis, which limits blood flow to your heart.
You might need an angiogram to determine if blocked arteries are the root cause of symptoms like:
- Dizziness
- Chest pain
- Chest tightness
- Heart palpitations
- Shortness of breath
You might also experience nausea and overall weakness due to atherosclerosis.
What’s involved in an angiogram?
The Humble Vascular Surgical Center team performs your angiogram as an outpatient procedure in their office. They provide you with sedation to keep you relaxed and comfortable.
During the procedure, your provider inserts a needle into an artery in your groin (femoral artery). They thread thin tubes (catheters) and wires through your arterial system to reach a specific point in your body.
Your physician then injects a contrast dye into your arteries. An X-ray follows the flow of dye through your arterial system to identify the location and severity of the blockage.
Someone will need to drive you home because of the sedation. You should schedule time after your angiogram to rest to avoid bleeding and other complications. You also need to avoid heavy lifting and other strenuous activities for two days before you can get back to your usual activities.
What happens to blockages identified in an angiogram?
If an angiogram reveals arterial blockages, your Humble Vascular Surgical Center provider can determine how to treat it based on your testing results.
In some cases, they can treat the blockage during the same procedure by widening your artery with an angioplasty followed by the placement of a stent. A stent is a medical device that fits into your artery to keep it open and ensure blood is flowing properly.
When the blockage is more severe, you might need surgery. Your vascular surgeon can discuss what to expect during surgery based on your existing health and the severity of your arterial blockage.
To learn more about the diagnostic benefits of an angiogram, call Humble Vascular Surgical Center or book a consultation online today.