Trusted Angiogram Procedures

An angiogram, also called angiography, is a diagnostic test that allows a doctor to look at your blood vessels for signs of abnormal blood flow and other problems.

If you or a loved one has a heart problem or vascular condition, skilled cardiologists at St. Joseph's Heart & Vascular Institute offer a wide array of advanced cardiac testing for diagnosis and treatment, including angiograms, in Stockton and the surrounding areas. Find a Dignity Health cardiologist today at one of our state-of-art facilities to learn more our personalized cardiovascular care.

Why an Angiogram is Performed

Your doctor may recommend angiography to diagnose or treat these conditions:

• Aneurysms (enlarged or bulging blood vessels)
• Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
• Aortic disease (aortic stenosis or an aortic aneurysm)
• Blood clots
• Coronary artery disease (or heart disease)
• Blood vessel malformations
• Carotid artery disease (narrowing of the neck arteries)
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Mesenteric artery ischemia (decreased blood flow through the arteries that supply your intestines)
• Renal artery stenosis (narrowing of the arteries that supply your kidneys)
• Stroke and TIAs (transient ischemic attacks)

Types of Angiogram

There are two basic types of angiogram:

• Catheter angiography (a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel in your groin or radial)
• Noninvasive angiography (uses ultrasound, CT, or MRI to produce the imaging)

Depending on your condition and needs, you may see a technologist for an ultrasound, CT, or MRI. If you need a catheter angiography, you may see a cardiologist or interventional cardiologist.

How to Prepare for an Angiogram at Dignity Health

Your experienced cardiologist will give you instructions about things you need to do before your procedure. In general, you can prepare for angiography by: 

• Checking with your insurance company about your coverage
• Making arrangements for help during your recovery from catheter angiography, although recovery time is typically less than a day
• Not eating for about eight hours before your procedure if you are having sedation
• Stopping aspirin or other blood thinners as directed by your doctor before catheter angiography

Angiogram Recovery

If you have a noninvasive angiography, you’ll be able to go home the same of your procedure and resume normal activities. After a catheter angiography, you’ll need to stay in the hospital for about six hours after the procedure to help control bleeding from the incision site.

Once you’re home, you should rest for a day or two. You may have some mild tenderness and bruising at the site where the catheter was put in.

St. Joseph's Heart & Vascular Institute performs angiograms in Stockton, CA and the surrounding areas.