Medical Health Encyclopedia

Arteriogram

How to prepare for the test:

See cardiac catheterization.

How the test will feel:

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You will generally feel some discomfort at the site where the IV is placed. Most blood vessels do not have nerve endings, so you probably won't feel the catheter inside of your body.

Depending upon the type of arteriogram being performed, you may experience a variety of symptoms when the doctor injects the contrast material. For example, with an arteriogram of the head (cerebral arteriogram), you may feel a brief flushing feeling in your head.

If the IV is placed in your groin, 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 mild back discomfort.

Why the test is performed:

The reasons for this test depend on the type of arteriogram that will be performed.

In general, arteriograms give the best pictures of the body's blood vessels. Arteriograms are used to make specific diagnoses and to help determine what the best treatment is in a particular case. Often, the treatment itself can be performed using the same type of catheters used in the arteriogram, instead of requiring a more extensive surgery in an additional procedure.

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