Angiogram

Angiography seeks and finds the blockages in your arteries that produce strokes and heart attacks. 

A standard angiogram normally involves a catheter, but we also offer a noninvasive version.

Our approach to angiograms

Our approach to your care is thorough and compassionate. With the latest technology, we can catch potential heart issues early, giving you the best chance for recovery. 

In the U.S., heart disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women. The immediate benefit of getting an angiogram is that it confirms or rules out heart disease. It identifies narrow or blocked arteries, giving your doctor a clearer picture of how to further treat you.

How to work with us

If you’ve had symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath or heart rhythm issues, visit your doctor. 

Your primary care doctor may run some preliminary tests. Based on the results, they might then refer you to UCI Health Cardiology Services for a more thorough evaluation.

Why would someone need an angiogram?

Even if you have no symptoms, you may need tests. If you’re at high risk for heart disease because you’re a smoker or have a family history, come in for an evaluation.

Angiograms are used to diagnose blockages, or narrowing, of your coronary arteries from plaque. Arterial plaque buildup (fatty or calcium deposits) warns us about the risk of heart disease or stroke.

Each heart test you take corresponds to where you are in the diagnostic pipeline. Early tests can alert us to a potential heart condition before you even need an angiogram. 

Those earlier tests could include: 

• electrocardiogram (EKG)
• stress test 
• blood test 
• chest X-ray 
• cardiac CT
• echocardiogram (ECG)

Which kind of angiogram do I need?

Your doctor will determine the kind of angiogram you may need during your consultation. If your condition seems more serious, our clinicians may start with a standard angiogram. 

Standard angiogram

Standard angiograms involve catheterization and inserting a contrast dye into your blood. The dye makes your arteries visible in the X-ray image. 

Coronary reactivity testing

Coronary reactivity testing is part of an angiogram. During this test, we inject medications into your blood vessels. 

We take a series of images that record how the blood vessels react to the medications. This helps your doctor see if there is enough blood flow to the heart and to pinpoint blockages. This is a particularly important test for women’s heart health.

CT angiography

Our Noninvasive Cardiovascular Imaging department conducts a robust variety of noninvasive heart imaging tests. 

There, we offer CT angiography, a noninvasive x-ray of your arteries that produces an image without inserting tubes. Our 64-slice CT scanner captures your moving heart and the nearby structures in high-resolution, 3D images. The level of detail is similar to cardiac catheterization.

Are you put to sleep for an angiogram?

Not usually, but it depends on your overall health. For a standard angiogram, we use a local anesthetic where we insert the tube, or catheter. For a CT angiogram, we don’t use any sedation.

Is angiogram very painful?

No, it’s not. In the standard test, we’ll use a needle to inject the anesthetic. When we insert the tubes, it’s unlikely you’ll feel much pain. 

How long do you stay in the hospital after an angiogram?

After getting a CT angiogram, you’re released the same day. 

With a standard angiogram, you might need to stay overnight. But even if you leave after two or three hours, it’s important to take as much rest as you need.

Benefits of angiogram testing

Your blood tests, echocardiogram, stress tests or EKG may indicate a serious heart condition. Getting an angiogram is the next step. Even though you may come in because of chest pains, sometimes heart disease has no symptoms. 

An angiogram is one of our best tools for early detection of coronary artery disease, potential stroke or other conditions.

Because CT angiography is similar to a standard, catheterized angiogram, it can be a great first choice. It is noninvasive and quick, and gives excellent, comparable results.

What to expect

Before your angiogram, tell us about every medication you’re taking during our consultation. Also let us know if you are diabetic or have any allergies. We’ll discuss which medications you can and cannot take.

We’ll ask you not to eat or drink anything for several hours before your angiogram. Use the restroom before the procedure, and don’t wear any jewelry, contacts, eye glasses or hairpins.

What happens after my angiogram?

After your treatment, we’ll take you to a recovery area and monitor your blood pressure, oxygen levels, and heartbeat. If you were catheterized, you’ll need to lie still to prevent bleeding. Depending on the test results, you may go after a few hours or stay overnight. 

Once home, you’ll need to drink a lot of water to flesh out the dye. Avoid your usual exercise routine and don’t lift anything heavy. We’ll tell you when to resume showers.

Contact us if you experience any chest pain or see bleeding, swelling or increased pain at the catheter site.

Why choose UCI Health for angiograms?

We are the only academic health system in Orange County

Because our hospital is integrated with the UC Irvine School of Medicine, we have a large, robust infrastructure already in place. You get access to hyper-specialized doctors, clinical trials and continuous research advancements.

As a team, we discuss every single patient

Another advantage of an academic hospital is that we talk about you and what treatments might be best. Our critical thinking stays sharp from hearing the perspectives of nine or 10 other doctors.

If you have a potentially serious heart issue, a group discussion clarifies important collaborative care decisions. Elsewhere, it’s not uncommon for doctors not to talk to each other.

We practice a non-paternalistic level of medicine

While we educate you about your condition, you let us know what you want. We’ll pursue your care together because your preferences matter. You’re always part of the decision-making process.