Arteriography is test that uses x-rays and a special dye to see inside the arteries. It can be used to see arteries in the heart, brain, kidney, and many other parts of the body.
The test is done in a medical lab. The exact procedure depends on the part of the body being examined.
In general, a dye, called contrast material, is injected into your blood stream. X-rays will be taken to see how the dye flows through your arteries. The test can be used to determine if there are any blocked or damage arteries.
How to prepare for the test:
How you should prepare depends on the part of the body being examined. The health care provider may tell you to stop taking certain drugs that could affect the test. In some cases, you may be able to eat or drink anything for a few hours before the test.
How the test will feel:
You may have some discomfort from a needle stick. Depending upon the type of arteriogram being performed, you may have a variety of symptoms when the doctor injects the contrast material. For example, those who have a cerebral arteriogram may feel a brief flushing across the head.
If you had an IV put into your groin area, you will usually be asked to lie flat on your back for a few hours after the test to avoid bleeding. This may cause some back discomfort.
Review Date: 7/17/2006
Reviewed By: Glenn Gandelman, MD, MPH, Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Interventional Cardiology
