Coronary Angiography
A test that uses a thin tube and contrast dye to take X-ray pictures of the heart arteries and show where they are narrowed or blocked.
What is coronary angiography?
The coronary arteries carry blood to the heart muscle. Coronary angiography shows these arteries on X-ray. A thin, flexible tube called a catheter is passed to the heart through an artery in the wrist (radial route) or the groin (femoral route). Contrast dye is injected through it, and the pictures show whether any artery is narrowed or blocked, and exactly where.
Who may need it?
Your doctor may advise it for chest pain or breathlessness on exertion that suggests coronary artery disease, an abnormal stress test, or during or after a heart attack, when it is often done urgently.
How it is done
- You lie on a table in the cath lab and stay awake.
- The wrist or groin is cleaned and numbed with local anaesthesia.
- The catheter is guided to the heart. You may feel a brief warm flush as the dye goes in.
- Pictures are taken from several angles. The catheter is removed and a pressure band or dressing is applied.
Before the test
- Tell the doctor about kidney disease, diabetes medicines such as metformin, blood thinners and any allergy, especially to contrast dye.
- Bring old reports, ECGs, echo reports and a list of all your medicines.
- You will usually be asked not to eat for a few hours beforehand.
After the test
You are observed for a few hours. After the wrist route you can usually sit up soon; after the groin route you may need to lie flat for a while. Avoid heavy lifting with that arm or leg for a few days. If a significant blockage is found, the doctor will discuss angioplasty and stenting, medicines or bypass surgery. Sometimes FFR or intravascular imaging is used to study a narrowing further.
When to call the doctor
Call at once for bleeding or growing swelling at the puncture site, a hand or leg that turns cold, pale or numb, fever, or chest pain. Read the emergency signs of a heart attack.
Which test or treatment suits you is decided only after examination and a review of your reports. This page is here to help you understand, not to replace a consultation.
For understanding only — the right test or treatment is decided after examination.
