Why am i having an angiogram?
So, you’ve been told you need to have an angiogram. Don’t worry – this isn’t some ancient Egyptian ritual involving sacrificing a goat and reading its entrails. An angiogram is a medical procedure that helps doctors see what’s happening inside your blood vessels (which they don’t normally get invited into for dinner parties).
In this article, we’ll take a lighthearted look at the whys and hows of angiograms – because who says being informed has to be dull? So strap in, put on your best hospital gown, and let’s find out why you’re having an angiogram (other than just for fun!).
What Is an Angiogram Exactly?
An angiogram (also known as arteriography or venography… ooh la la) is a diagnostic test that uses X-rays and dye to create images of your arteries or veins. It can help identify blockages or other problems with blood flow.
During the procedure, a doctor will insert a thin tube called catheter into one of your blood vessels (usually in the groin area), then guide it up to the area being examined using X-ray imaging guidance. They inject contrast dye through the catheter which shows up on X-ray images taken over time showing exact regions with restricted blood-flow within major arteries supplying vital organs like heart/torso/arm/leg etc,…
Why Would You Need One?
There are different reasons someone might need an angiogram:
Check for Blocked Arteries
If you’ve been experiencing symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath, your doctor may want to check if there are any blockages in your coronary arteries (not related to royal family heritage!) leading to/presenting signs/symptoms of Coronary artery disease (CAD).
Blockage most commonly indicates buildup of cholesterol plaques inside the arteries, which decreases blood flow and may lead to a heart attack. An angiogram can identify blockages so that doctors can plan an appropriate course of action.
Check for Aneurysms
An aneurysm is a bulge in the wall of an artery caused by weakening or damage. If left untreated, it could burst and cause life-threatening bleeding (kinda like poking holes in your pool floatie).
Doctors use an angiogram to determine if you have any such bulging trouble-spots, where there’s greater risk to internal organs (like intestines etc)… Can you just imagine how painful & messy that would be? This imaging also verifies if more safer surgery is necessary(such as evasive micro-vascular surgeries).
Determine Blood Flow Issues
Some conditions prevent adequate blood flow through veins or arteries – like peripheral vascular disease (PVD). You’ll feel pain/cramping with extended walking periods causing lower-leg muscles involuntary tightening up – how about trying tap-dancing while griping your teeth together!
An angiogram helps diagnose these types of issues.
What Preparation Is Required?
Before having an angiogram performed, you may need to avoid eating/drinking things the morning leading up-to-the procedure.Your doctor will give specific instructions on what foods or liquids are allowed vs restricted
You’ll also likely need someone to drive/carriage/whisk you home afterwards…too dizzy from chloroform anesthesia made Heredity ride shotgun…
So there we have it – some light-hearted insights into why someone might need to undergo an angiogram. It’s not all fun and games (after all, no one particularly wants tubes put into their veins!), but hopefully this article has answered some common questions for those facing this test (‘cos everybody love pop-quizzes at exams right!? Pfffft).
And remember: always follow your doctor’s advice when it comes to medical procedures. They know what they’re doing (most of the time), so trust their expertise and rest easy knowing you’re in good hands…even if it does involve a few jokes at your expense along the way!