Alabama Heart and Vascular Medicine - Tuscaloosa Cardiologists
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  • Team
    • Phil Hemstreet, M.D.
    • Dana Hemstreet, CRNP
    • Jeremy Kelley, CRNP
    • Bradley Titus, M.D.
    • Amy Moore, CRNP
  • Services
    • Nuclear/Lexiscan/Stress
    • Echo/Vascular >
      • Ankle To Brachial Index "ABI"
      • Aorta Duplex Scan
      • Carotid Artery Duplex Scan
      • Echocardiogram
      • Groin Duplex Scan
      • Lower Extremity Arterial Study (LEA)
      • Lower Extremity Venous Study (LEV)
      • Renal Arteriogram
      • Renal Artery Duplex Scan
      • Stress Echocardiogram
      • Venous Duplex Scan
      • Venous Reflux Study
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      • Holter Monitor
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      • Angioplasty and Stent Placement - Heart
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      • Left Heart Catheterization
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      • Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)
    • Pacemaker
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Arteriograms


Arteriograms are x-ray pictures of the arteries. These are usually done during a left heart catheterization or a peripheral arteriogram procedure to look for partially blocked arteries in the heart or legs. During a left heart catheterization or a peripheral arteriogram procedure, a small tube (similar to an IV) is inserted into the artery of the arm or groin. Then a catheter is passed into arteries of the heart or legs; special dye is injected to produce the x-ray pictures.

  •  Why you are having this procedure: Your physician might schedule this procedure for symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or leg pain that is felt to be due to a partially blocked artery in your heart or legs. 
  •  Prep for the procedure: Do not to eat or drink for 8 to 12 hours prior to the procedure. You will need to make arrangements for someone to drive you home following the procedure.
  •  What to expect: Prior to the procedure, you will be given a sedative which will cause drowsiness in order to relax you; however, we will be able to arouse you should it be necessary. The area where the catheter will be inserted is then numbed with a local anesthetic, the catheter is inserted, and the procedure performed. 
  •  Risks: Complications from this procedure are rare, and the risk of death is very low. Possible risks include: 
(1) allergic reaction to the dye which can be treated with medicine; 

(2) damage to the kidneys from the dye; 

(3) irregular heart rhythms which can be treated with medicine; 

(4) bleeding can occur at the site where the catheter is inserted; 

(5) although uncommon, blood clots can form around the catheter or clumps of plaque can be knocked loose from the walls of the arteries during the procedure and can trigger a heart attack or a stroke.


  •  Post procedure instructions/limitations: Refrain from heavy lifting, greater than 5 pounds, for approximately 1 week after the procedure due to possible bleeding from the site where the catheter was inserted. In order to avoid infection, do not take a tub bath until the site where the catheter was inserted is healed. You can usually return to your normal activities over approximately 1 week.
  •  When to call your cardiologist: You should call your cardiologist immediately and/or return to the emergency department immediately if you experience acute onset of chest pain and/or shortness of breath or if you experience rapid swelling or bleeding at the site where the catheter was inserted.
Miscellaneous: Please follow all the instructions provided by your healthcare provider. 
​

​ ©2017 Alabama Heart and Vascular Medicine. All rights Reserved. 
100 Rice Mine Road Loop, Suite 104 Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 
(205) 561-2370 
  • Home
  • Team
    • Phil Hemstreet, M.D.
    • Dana Hemstreet, CRNP
    • Jeremy Kelley, CRNP
    • Bradley Titus, M.D.
    • Amy Moore, CRNP
  • Services
    • Nuclear/Lexiscan/Stress
    • Echo/Vascular >
      • Ankle To Brachial Index "ABI"
      • Aorta Duplex Scan
      • Carotid Artery Duplex Scan
      • Echocardiogram
      • Groin Duplex Scan
      • Lower Extremity Arterial Study (LEA)
      • Lower Extremity Venous Study (LEV)
      • Renal Arteriogram
      • Renal Artery Duplex Scan
      • Stress Echocardiogram
      • Venous Duplex Scan
      • Venous Reflux Study
    • Holter/Event Monitor >
      • Holter Monitor
      • Event Monitor
    • Hospital Procedures >
      • Angioplasty
      • Angioplasty and Stent Placement - Heart
      • Arteriograms
      • Atherectomy
      • Cardioversion
      • Carotid Arteriogram
      • ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator)
      • Left Heart Catheterization
      • Loop Recorder
      • Pacemaker
      • Renal Arteriogram
      • Right Heart Catherization
      • Tilt Table
      • Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)
    • Pacemaker
  • Resources
    • Patient Portal
    • Make a Payment
    • Imaging and Radiology
    • Lab
  • Education
    • Blood Thinners
    • Weight Loss
    • Exercise
    • Smoking
    • American Heart Association
  • Forms
  • Medical Records
  • Vein Clinic
    • Venous Insufficiency
    • Treatments >
      • Endovenous Laser Ablation
      • Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation
      • Phlebectomy
      • Sclerotherapy
  • Office-based Cath Lab
  • The Way
  • Contact Us