What is an Angiography?
An angiography is a specialized X-ray procedure used to look closely at your body’s blood vessels (arteries and veins). It is performed by injecting a special liquid called contrast dye (or “contrast agent”) directly into a blood vessel through a thin, flexible tube called a catheter. The catheter is usually inserted through a small puncture in the groin, wrist, or arm.
This dye shows up clearly on the X-ray images, allowing your doctor to see detailed pictures of blood flow and identify problems like blockages, narrowing, or weak areas (aneurysms) in the vessels.
Key Benefits (Why is this procedure needed?)
The primary benefit of angiography is providing the most accurate, real-time image of your blood vessels to guide diagnosis and treatment.
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Accurate Diagnosis | It precisely locates and measures blockages in coronary (heart), cerebral (brain), renal (kidney), or peripheral (limb) arteries. |
| Treatment Planning | The results determine the best treatment, such as lifestyle changes, medication, balloon angioplasty, stenting, or bypass surgery. |
| Emergency Intervention | If a severe blockage is found during the procedure, your doctor can often proceed immediately with a life-saving intervention (like placing a stent). |
| Evaluation of Aneurysms | It helps evaluate bulges (aneurysms) or abnormal vessel connections (malformations) in the brain or other areas. |
Understanding the Risks and Potential Complications
Angiography is generally a safe, routine procedure, but because it is invasive, there are risks. Your healthcare team will discuss all risks specific to your health history before the procedure.
Major complications are rare, occurring in less than 1 out of every 100 procedures.
| Complication Type | Incidence (Likelihood) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Minor (Common) | High (Bruising is expected) | Bruising, soreness, or a small bump (hematoma) at the puncture site. This often resolves within days or weeks. |
| Allergic Reaction to Dye | Uncommon (<1 in 100 people) | Mild reactions (hives, itching) are rare and usually treatable with medication. Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) are extremely rare. |
| Major Cardiac/Neurological Event | Rare (<1 in 1,000 or <0.1%) | This includes serious events like heart attack (myocardial infarction) or stroke. The risk is higher for patients with severe pre-existing heart disease or kidney problems. |
| Kidney Damage (Nephropathy) | Low (0%−0.5% in healthy kidneys) | The contrast dye can temporarily affect kidney function. This risk rises significantly (up to 40%) if you have pre-existing kidney disease or diabetes. Your doctor will take precautions to protect your kidneys. |
| Vascular Damage/Bleeding | Rare (<1%) | Damage to the artery wall or significant internal bleeding (retroperitoneal bleed) at the insertion site, potentially requiring further intervention. |
| Infection | Rare (<1%) | Infection at the puncture site is rare and is usually treated with antibiotics. |
Sources:
- American Heart Association Journals. “Safety and Risk of Major Complications With Diagnostic Cardiac Catheterization.” Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions, 2019.
- Cleveland Clinic. “Cerebral Angiogram: What It Is, Purpose, Procedure & Risks.” Cleveland Clinic, 2023. Accessed September 30, 2025.
- NHS. “Cardiac catheterisation and coronary angiography – Risks.” NHS, 2022. Accessed September 30, 2025.