What Is an Angiogram Procedure?

An angiogram is a minimally invasive imaging test that helps doctors see how blood flows through your arteries. When the test focuses on arteries outside the heart, like those in your legs, it’s known as a peripheral angiogram or leg angiogram. It plays a key role in diagnosing peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition where narrowed or blocked arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs.

PAD affects millions of people across the U.S., often leading to leg pain, numbness, and difficulty walking. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, getting an accurate diagnosis is crucial, and an angiogram is one of the most effective ways to pinpoint the problem. At American Endovascular, our affiliated vascular specialists in New York City utilize angiogram procedures to identify and treat PAD, providing patients with relief and helping them return to their active lifestyles.

Understanding Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

Peripheral artery disease is a common circulatory condition in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs, most often affecting the legs. PAD is typically caused by a buildup of fatty deposits, known as plaque, on the artery walls, a process called atherosclerosis. As these arteries narrow, they can’t deliver enough oxygen-rich blood to meet the demands of the leg muscles, especially during activity.

Many people with PAD experience no symptoms, but when symptoms do appear, they often include leg pain, aching, or cramping during walking or exercise, a condition known as claudication. This discomfort usually goes away with rest. Other signs may include numbness or weakness in the legs, coldness in one leg or foot, slow-healing sores, shiny or discolored skin, hair loss, and weak or absent pulses in the feet. In severe cases, PAD can lead to chronic wounds, infections, or even tissue death if blood flow is critically reduced.

PAD not only impacts mobility and quality of life but also increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for restoring healthy blood flow and preventing complications.

When Is an Angiogram Recommended for PAD?

Vascular specialists often recommend an angiogram when there’s a strong chance that someone has peripheral artery disease and more detailed information is needed to confirm the diagnosis or guide treatment. This test is especially helpful for people with risk factors like being over 50, smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. It’s also commonly used for those experiencing symptoms such as ongoing leg pain, weakness, numbness, or sores that won’t heal, warning signs that could point to a serious blockage in the arteries supplying the legs.

Candidates for an angiogram often include those whose previous diagnostic tests, such as ultrasound or an ankle-brachial index (ABI), were inconclusive, or when symptoms are severe and suggest a critical reduction in blood flow. The angiogram provides detailed images of the arteries, allowing specialists to pinpoint the exact location and severity of blockages, which is essential for developing an effective treatment plan and preventing serious complications such as ulcers, infections, or even limb loss.

How Do You Prepare for an Angiogram? 

Getting ready for your angiogram is an important part of making sure everything goes smoothly and safely. Before the procedure, your care team will give you specific instructions to follow. In most cases, you’ll need to stop eating or drinking several hours beforehand; they’ll let you know exactly when. On the day of your angiogram, take a bath or shower but skip any lotions, perfumes, deodorants, or nail polish. Be sure to remove any jewelry and leave valuables at home.

Let your doctor know if you have any allergies, especially to contrast dye, and share a full list of your current medications; some might need to be paused or adjusted before the procedure. You may also need blood work or other tests ahead of time to make sure you’re in good shape for the angiogram.

Make sure you have someone available to drive you home afterward, since you won’t be able to drive yourself. It’s also wise to have someone stay with you for the first 24 hours, just in case you feel tired or lightheaded. Following these steps will help you feel more comfortable and ensure everything goes as safely as possible.

What to Expect During an Angiogram

During an angiogram, you will be comfortably positioned on an X-ray table. The procedure begins with the doctor cleaning and numbing the area, typically the groin or, in some cases, the arm, where the catheter will be inserted. After making a small incision, a thin, flexible tube called a catheter is carefully guided into your artery.

Once the catheter is in place, a special contrast dye is injected through it. As the dye travels through your leg arteries, a series of X-ray images is taken. These images allow a vascular specialist to see detailed pictures of your blood vessels and identify any blockages or narrowing that may be causing your symptoms.

If a blockage is found, your doctor may be able to perform a minimally invasive treatment, such as angioplasty or stent placement, during the same procedure to restore blood flow. Afterward, the catheter is removed, pressure is applied to prevent bleeding, and a bandage is placed over the site.

After your angiogram, you’ll be monitored for a short time to make sure everything looks good and there are no complications. Most people are able to go home the same day. As mentioned earlier, you’ll need someone to drive you, since it’s normal to feel a bit tired or have some mild discomfort where the catheter was inserted. Before you leave, your care team will go over recovery instructions and let you know what to expect, including any follow-up appointments or next steps in your treatment.

How Long Does an Angiogram Usually Take?

A leg angiogram usually takes between 30 minutes and 2 hours, depending on how complex your condition is and whether any treatments, such as an angioplasty or stent placement, are done at the same time. The imaging itself typically takes under an hour, but plan to be at the facility for longer to allow time for preparation beforehand and for monitoring afterward to ensure a smooth recovery.

How Long is Recovery After an Angiogram? 

After your angiogram, you’ll spend a few hours in a recovery area so your care team can monitor you and make sure everything looks good. It’s normal to have some mild bruising, soreness, or tenderness where the catheter was inserted, and that discomfort may last a few days.

Most people can return to light activities within a day or two, but you’ll want to avoid anything strenuous, such as heavy lifting, intense exercise, or climbing stairs, for several days, or as advised by your doctor. While many patients feel back to normal within a week, it’s not unusual to experience a bit of fatigue or lingering bruising for up to two weeks.

Your doctor will go over your angiogram results either before you leave or during a follow-up visit, and they’ll talk with you about any next steps or additional treatments, if needed. Be sure to follow all recovery instructions closely, keep your bandage clean and dry, and reach out to your care team right away if you notice unusual pain, swelling, bleeding, or signs of infection at the catheter site.

What Happens if an Angiogram Shows a Blockage?

In the event your angiogram confirms a blockage in the arteries supplying your legs, your vascular specialist will discuss the most appropriate next steps based on the severity and location of the blockage. For mild cases of PAD, initial treatment often focuses on lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, eating a heart-healthy diet, exercising regularly, and managing conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, to slow disease progression and alleviate symptoms. 

When blockages are more significant or symptoms are severe, minimally invasive procedures may be recommended. These include angioplasty, where a small balloon is inflated inside the artery to widen the narrowed area, and stenting, where a mesh tube is placed to help keep the artery open. These PAD treatments can often be performed during the same session as your diagnostic angiogram, providing immediate relief and restoring blood flow to the affected limb. Your care team will tailor your treatment plan to your individual needs, and you will be monitored regularly to ensure the best possible outcome and to prevent future complications.

Why Choose American Endovascular for PAD Diagnosis in NYC?

Patients across New York City turn to American Endovascular for trusted, expert care and accurate diagnosis of peripheral artery disease. What sets us apart is our unique blend of medical expertise, cutting-edge technology, and a deeply patient-centered approach. Our affiliated team includes some of the nation’s top board-certified interventional radiologists, leaders in the field who specialize in diagnosing and treating even the most complex PAD cases with a focus on amputation prevention.

At our affiliated vascular centers throughout NYC, our team of affiliated physicians uses the latest diagnostic imaging and minimally invasive, image-guided techniques to deliver precise, effective care. Our advanced technology allows us to perform high-quality angiograms and offer a full spectrum of personalized treatment options tailored to each patient’s condition and goals.

We also make access to care easy and convenient, with multiple locations across the city, so expert endovascular care is always nearby. However, what truly sets us apart is our commitment to treating every patient with compassion, respect, and individualized attention. From the moment you walk through our doors, we take the time to listen, answer your questions, and create a care plan that puts your needs first.

When you choose American Endovascular, you’re not just getting a diagnosis; you’re partnering with a team that’s dedicated to helping you feel better, stay active, and live life on your terms.

Schedule Your Angiogram Today in NYC

Scheduling your angiogram or PAD evaluation at American Endovascular is quick and hassle-free. You can book an appointment at the location nearest you by calling the office directly or using our easy online scheduling tool. With several convenient locations across New York City, including Brooklyn and Harlem, you’ll have access to expert vascular care close to home. Each center is staffed by experienced specialists and equipped with the latest technology for accurate PAD diagnosis and treatment.

Take the next step toward better vascular health. Contact American Endovascular today to schedule your angiogram in NYC and get the answers you need.