This involves taking pictures of the blood vessels supplying arms, legs or internal body organs. The technique is similar to coronary angiography. Any significant blockages involving internal organs, arms or legs can be treated with balloon and stent.
A peripheral angiogram is a test that uses X rays to assess the narrowed/blocked arteries or veins in the body.
- Smoking Diabetes
- Hypertension
- High Cholesterol
- Advanced Age
What is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)?
Peripheral Artery Disease is the narrowing of the artery/arteries of the legs, kidneys, arms or head. It is similar to Coronary artery disease. It happens due to the process called ‘Atherosclerosis’.
What are the risk factors for PAD?
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- High Cholesterol
- Advanced Age
Symptoms of PAD (especially PAD in
Cramps, tiredness in leg/hip muscles while walking or climbing up of stairs, pain decreases on taking rest, non-healing ulcers, blackening of toes.
How is Peripheral Angiogram done?
It is a relatively less painful procedure done in the Cath lab by Interventional Cardiologist (or) Vascular surgeon. A small tube called ‘catheter’ is inserted through the artery in the groin/hand after local anaesthesia. A special fluid called dye/contrast is injected through it and X-rays are taken. These pictures are called angiograms.
