Coronary Angiography 

Coronary angiography is an X-ray  test used  to produce pictures of  the blood vessels or chambers  of your heart. You may also hear this test called  coronary arteriography.

What does  coronary angiography involve? 

A long flexible, hollow plastic tube  called a catheter, which is about  the width  of the lead in a pencil, is inserted into a blood vessel in your groin or arm. The tip of the catheter is guided under X-ray to your heart or the  arteries supplying the heart, where a special fluid (called a contrast medium or dye) is injected. This fluid is visible on an X-ray,  and the pictures produced are  called angiograms.

Why might I need  coronary angiography?

A coronary angiogram gives important information about the  blood pressure inside  your heart, and can tell your surgeon how well your  heart valves and the pumping chambers of your heart are working. It  can also show any narrowing or blockages in the arteries that supply your heart. For this reason it's often used  to show whether a further procedure, such as angioplasty with stent  or heart bypass surgery, could help you. The procedure can show heart defects  or disease, such as coronary heart disease, valve problems or heart enlargement. 

Where can I  have coronary angiography? 

Your GP may refer you  to a local hospital or specialist heart centre. 

Does coronary angiography hurt? 

The local anaesthetic stings for  a little while but, apart from some pressure at the site of the  catheter insert, you shouldn't feel any discomfort. A few people experience a short, mild chest pain (angina) during the test. You should tell the doctor if you do, although this  is not usually a problem. 

Who performs  coronary angiography? 

A team of people will do  the test, including a cardiologist (a doctor  who specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of  heart disease), a nurse, a technician and  a radiographer. 

Will I have  to stay in hospital to have coronary angiography? 

Not usually. An angiogram is normally carried out as a day case. However, if you've been taken into hospital, for instance following a heart attack or  you has been diagnosed with ‘unstable’ angina (angina that happens while you're at rest), you  may be admitted as an inpatient. 

Is coronary angiography safe? 

A coronary angiogram is a very safe test with many benefits and few risks.