Angiogram: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Raghuveer Boddireddy, MD, Interventional Radiology. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Angiogram?
A cardiologist (a heart doctor) does coronary angiograms, which look at the heart arteries. A radiologist (a doctor who reads x-rays) with special training usually does angiograms of the arms and legs. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
An angiogram, also called angiography, uses x-rays and a special dye to see inside the arteries. Arteries are blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart. Coronary angiography looks at the arteries in your heart. Extremity angiography looks at the arteries in the hands, arms, feet, or legs. We cover only these two kinds of angiogram here.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Coronary angiography may be done for new angina or angina that is getting worse. It may also be done if you have a heart valve problem or heart failure. It may also be done after an abnormal heart stress test or if you are diagnosed with a heart attack. You may need extremity angiography if you have symptoms of a narrowed or blocked blood vessel in an arm, hand, leg, or foot. An abnormal result may mean you have a blocked artery.
How to prepare
Do not eat or drink anything for 8 hours before a coronary angiogram, or for 6 to 8 hours before an extremity angiogram. You may be told to stop aspirin or other blood thinners for a short while before the test. Never stop taking any medicine unless your provider tells you to. Tell your provider if you are or might be pregnant, or if you are allergic to any medicines. Also tell your provider about any bleeding problems.
What happens during it
You may be given a mild sedative to help you relax. The arm or groin is cleaned and numbed. A thin hollow tube called a catheter is passed through an artery. For a heart angiogram, x-rays help the doctor guide the catheter up into the heart. Dye flows through the catheter. X-rays show how it moves through the arteries. In most cases, you will be awake during the test. The dye can cause a warm, flushed feeling. It most often goes away in a few seconds. A coronary angiogram most often lasts 30 to 60 minutes. If a blockage is found, your cardiologist may open it during the same procedure.
Recovery
The catheter is removed, and pressure is applied to the puncture site to stop the bleeding. If the catheter went in your groin, you will lie flat for a few hours to several hours. After an arm or leg test, avoid strenuous activity, such as heavy lifting, for 24 to 48 hours. You may have tenderness and bruising where the catheter went in. Get immediate medical help for swelling, bleeding that does not go away, or severe pain in an arm or leg.
Risks and side effects
The coronary test is very safe with an experienced team. The risk of serious complications ranges from 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 500. Risks include an allergic reaction to the dye. A heart attack or stroke is also possible. There is also a risk of bleeding, infection, and pain at the catheter site. The dye could damage the kidneys, particularly in people with diabetes or prior kidney problems. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have chest pain, trouble breathing, fainting, or sudden weakness or change in vision.
Who performs it
A cardiologist passes the catheter during a coronary angiogram. For arms and legs, the doctor is usually a radiologist with special training in this technique.
Common questions
How long does an angiogram take?
A coronary angiogram most often lasts 30 to 60 minutes. You may need to lie flat for a few hours afterward if the catheter went in through your groin.
Can treatment be done during an angiogram?
Yes, certain treatments can be done during an arm or leg angiogram. They include dissolving a blood clot with medicine and opening a partly blocked artery with a balloon. Another is placing a stent, a small tube that holds an artery open.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either one can be the provider you tell about allergies, pregnancy, medicines, or bleeding problems.
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Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
