Quality Cardiac Angiogram Imaging at Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican Hospitals

A cardiac angiogram is a picture of your heart that lets your doctor look for problems such as abnormal blood flow. Your doctor may also refer to it as a coronary angiogram. Angiography is a common type of imaging exam and diagnostic procedure.

Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican hospitals offers both noninvasive angiogram and minimally invasive catheter cardiac angiogram in Las Vegas and Henderson, NV. Find a cardiologist online or dial (702) 616-4900 to get a referral to a cardiologist.

 

Types of Cardiac Angiography

There are two basic types of cardiac angiogram: 

  • Noninvasive angiography uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), or ultrasound to make the angiogram. Sometimes contrast dye will be used to help the blood vessels show up better.
  • Catheter angiography inserts a thin tube (catheter) into a blood vessel in your groin or elbow. The doctor guides the wire to the area to be imaged and uses X-rays and contrast dye to create a picture.

The type of health care provider performing your angiography will depend on the type of angiogram. Doctors perform catheter procedures. A technologist usually performs MRIs, CTs, and ultrasounds.

 

When Do You Need an Angiogram Procedure?

Your doctor may recommend angiography for the following conditions:

  • Stroke and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)
  • Aneurysms, a bulging or enlarged blood vessel
  • Renal artery stenosis, narrowing of the arteries that supply your kidneys
  • Aortic disease, such as aortic valve stenosis or aortic aneurysm
  • Blood clots
  • Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis)
  • Carotid artery disease, narrowing of the arteries in your neck
  • Blood vessel malformations
  • Mesenteric artery ischemia, decreased blood flow through the arteries that supply your intestines
  • Coronary artery disease, commonly called heart disease
  • Peripheral artery disease

 

Coronary Angiogram Risks & Complications

Complications after angiography are rare. However, any procedure involves potential risks. Risks of angiography include:

  • Bleeding
  • Allergic reaction to the contrast dye
  • Infection at the catheter insertion site
  • Damage to an artery from the catheter
  • Kidney injury from the contrast dye

Exposure to ionizing radiation is another risk of angiography. However, the benefit of the test typically outweighs the potential risk. Your health care provider will use the smallest amount of radiation possible.

 

What to Expect During a Cardiac Angiogram in Las Vegas, NV

For catheter angiography, you will need to stay in the hospital or clinic for about six hours after the procedure. You will need to keep your arm or leg straight during this time. This helps control bleeding from the area where the catheter was inserted. After you go home, you need to rest for a day or two. It’s common to have bruising and mild tenderness at the catheter site.

For noninvasive angiography, you can usually go home right after the procedure and resume normal activities.

Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican hospitals offers cardiology services, including cardiac angiogram, for patients in Las Vegas and Henderson, NV.