What is a coronary angiogram?
The coronary arteries are the small blood vessels on the surface of the heart that supply the heart muscle itself with blood. A coronary angiogram is an X-ray examination of these arteries. A fine tube is guided to the heart and a small amount of contrast dye is injected, which shows up on X-ray and makes the arteries visible as a moving picture. It can show whether an artery is narrowed or blocked, and exactly where the problem is.
Why is it done?
An angiogram is usually recommended for chest pain or breathlessness that may be caused by narrowed arteries, after a heart attack, when a stress test is abnormal, or before heart valve or bypass surgery. The result determines what happens next: medication alone, a stent, or bypass surgery. In many cases, if a suitable narrowing is found, it can be treated with a stent during the same procedure.
What happens on the day?
In the catheterisation laboratory you lie on a narrow table, a drip is placed and the skin over the wrist or groin is numbed with local anaesthetic. You stay awake but will have received a sedative in the ward beforehand. A thin catheter is passed through the artery to the heart. When the dye is injected you may feel a brief, warm flush.
What to expect afterwards
If the wrist was used, a tight band is left on for a few hours. If the groin was used, you lie flat for some time to prevent bleeding. Most patients go home the same day if no stent was placed, though you should arrange for someone to drive you.
Possible complications
For most people an angiogram is a safe, routine test, but complications can occur. Common and minor problems are bruising, tenderness or a small lump at the puncture site. Less commonly there is significant bleeding, damage to the artery or an allergic reaction to the contrast dye. The dye can temporarily upset kidney function, particularly if the kidneys are already weak or you are dehydrated. Serious events such as heart attack, stroke, a dangerous heart rhythm or death are rare, occurring in well under one in a thousand routine cases, and are more likely in patients who are already very ill.
This information does not replace a consultation. Please discuss your own risks and options with your cardiologist.