Coronary Angiography: What It is

Coronary Angiography - What it is

coronary angiography heart diagnostic test

Coronary angiography is a minimally invasive procedure and test, which allows doctors to detect any narrowed or blocked blood vessels in the heart's arteries. It involves injecting dye into the blood vessels of the heart, followed by taking X-ray images of the heart. It is a fast and effective way to provide definitive evidence of any abnormalities that may be present.

Procedure process of coronary angiography

Before the Procedure

You will be asked whether you have any allergic reactions to medicines or food, especially to X-ray contrast or iodine compounds. You are advised to inform the doctor of your allergies.

You may be asked to abstain from food six hours before your angiography. Generally you should continue all your medicines unless informed otherwise by your doctor. If your procedure is in the afternoon, a full breakfast may be taken.

The day before the procedure, you should try and get a good night’s sleep. If necessary, ask for some sleeping medication.

Day of the Procedure

On the day of procedure, you will be asked to remove your dentures, contact lenses and any jewellery. Please do not bring any money or valuables on the day of your procedure.

During the Procedure
Local anaesthetic will be given to numb the area of injection, you may be slightly sedated but awake. A soft plastic tube around 2mm in diameter will then be inserted through a blood vessel in the groin or wrist. This tube will be passed towards the heart using x-ray guidance.

After the tube enters the blood vessels of the heart, dye will be injected into both the right and left blood vessels of the heart via the tube. Moving images of the arteries would be taken using X-ray. Another tube may also be passed into the left heart to assess the heart function.

After the Procedure

Your doctor will evaluate the results and then advise you on the most appropriate treatment. You may be discharged on the same day after the procedure.

If there is severe narrowing in your artery, the cardiologist may perform coronary angioplasty for you immediately after the angiography. Otherwise, you will be asked to return another day for the procedure or for coronary artery bypass graft surgery.