What is a carotid angiogram?
An angiogram is an X-ray picture of the inside of your blood vessels. A carotid angiogram is a study of the inside of your carotid arteries. The carotid artery is the large artery that supplies the brain with oxygen-rich blood. The carotid artery carries blood from the heart to the head via the neck. If a person has a blockage in the carotid artery, such as a carotid stenosis (narrowing of the carotid artery) or atherosclerosis (plaque buildup that causes a narrowing of the artery), symptoms may include dizziness, confusion, or stroke. If a narrowing is found during the carotid angiogram, an angioplasty (stretching of the artery with a tiny balloon inside the vessel) can be done or a stent (mesh-metal tube) can be placed to hold the artery open. How to prepare for your procedure ยท Tell your health care provider if you have had any kidney problems or reactions to iodine-containing items such as contrast agent. If so, your primary health care provider will prescribe medicine for you to t
