A coronary angiography is a test used to produce pictures of the blood vessels and chambers of the heart using X-rays (a type of radiation). This test is also called a coronary arteriography or a coronary angiogram.
The procedure
A long, flexible, plastic tube called a catheter, which is about the width of the lead in a pencil, is inserted into a blood vessel in the groin or arm. The tip of the catheter is guided using X-ray images to the heart or the arteries (blood vessels) supplying blood to the heart.
A special fluid (called a contrast medium or dye) is then injected into the catheter and X-ray images are taken. The pictures produced are called angiograms.
The fluid that is injected is visible on the X-rays, so the angiograms show up all the blood vessels that the fluid travels through. This reveals if any of the blood vessels are narrowed or blocked, and if the heart is working as it should be.
When coronary angiograms are used
Coronary angiograms are commonly used to diagnose a number of heart conditions and to guide treatment. For example, a coronary angiography may be used:
- after a heart attack (when the heart’s blood supply is blocked)
- to diagnose angina (when symptoms are caused by restricted blood supply to the heart)
- to plan surgical procedures, such as a coronary angioplasty (a procedure to widen blocked blood vessels)
Outlook
An angiogram is normally carried out as a day case, so it is not necessary to stay in hospital overnight. However, if someone is having a coronary angiography because of a heart attack, they may be admitted to hospital.
A coronary angiography can cause some discomfort where the catheter is inserted, but it is a safe procedure with few risks. It is considered the best way to diagnose coronary artery disease (conditions that affect the arteries that surround the heart).
Blood vessel
Blood vessels are the tubes in which blood travels to and from parts of the body. The three main types of blood vessels are veins, arteries and capillaries.
Heart
The heart is a muscular organ that pumps blood around the body.
X-ray
An X-ray is an imaging technique that uses high-energy radiation to show up abnormalities in bones and certain body tissue, such as breast tissue.
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