Angiography (Heart Test)
Angiography is a specialised imaging procedure used to examine blood vessels and identify narrowing or blockages. A coronary angiogram helps doctors assess the arteries supplying blood to your heart.
What Is Angiography?
Angiography is an imaging procedure that helps doctors examine blood vessels and identify areas where blood flow may be restricted.
During a coronary angiogram, a thin flexible tube called a catheter is guided into an artery. A contrast dye is injected through the catheter, and X-ray images are taken to show the coronary arteries.
- Examines the coronary arteries
- Helps identify narrowed or blocked blood vessels
- Shows the location and extent of arterial narrowing
- Helps doctors plan appropriate treatment
What Does an Angiogram Show?
A coronary angiogram provides images of the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle.
It can help doctors evaluate:
- Narrowing of coronary arteries
- Blockages affecting blood flow
- The location and severity of arterial disease
- Blood vessel abnormalities
- Whether further treatment may be needed
Why Is Angiography Done?
Your cardiologist may recommend coronary angiography when other examinations suggest a possible problem with blood flow through your heart's arteries.
Detect Artery Blockages
Helps identify narrowing or blockages in coronary arteries.
Assess Blood Flow
Provides information about blood flow through the heart's arteries.
Guide Treatment
Helps doctors decide whether medication, angioplasty or other treatment may be appropriate.
Evaluate Heart Disease
Supports assessment of suspected coronary artery disease.
How Is Angiography Performed?
A coronary angiogram is performed in a specialised cardiac catheterisation laboratory by a trained medical team.
- The patient is prepared and connected to monitoring equipment.
- Local anaesthesia is usually given at the catheter insertion site.
- A thin catheter is inserted into an artery, commonly in the wrist or groin.
- The catheter is guided towards the coronary arteries.
- Contrast dye is injected through the catheter.
- X-ray images are captured to examine the coronary arteries.
- The catheter is removed and the insertion site is treated to control bleeding.
What Happens After Angiography?
After the procedure, medical staff monitor the patient's heart rate, blood pressure and catheter insertion site.
The patient may need to rest for a period of time. Recovery and discharge timing depend on the access site, individual condition and whether any additional procedure was performed.
Can Angioplasty Be Done at the Same Time?
In selected cases, if a significant narrowing is found, the cardiologist may discuss performing angioplasty during the same session or scheduling it separately, depending on the clinical situation.
How Long Does Angiography Take?
A diagnostic coronary angiogram commonly takes around 30 minutes, although the duration can vary. Preparation, monitoring and recovery may require additional time.
Procedure Time
The angiogram itself may take around 30 minutes, depending on complexity.
Monitoring
Heart rate, blood pressure and the insertion site are monitored.
Recovery
Rest and recovery time depend on the procedure and individual circumstances.
Medical Guidance
Your cardiologist will explain the findings and discuss the next steps.
What Are the Risks of Angiography?
Coronary angiography is commonly performed, but like any invasive medical procedure, it carries some risks. Your cardiologist will explain the potential benefits and risks based on your health and medical history.
Possible Minor Complications
- Bruising around the catheter insertion site
- Minor bleeding or discomfort
- Temporary soreness at the insertion site
- Allergic reaction to contrast dye
Rare but Serious Complications
In uncommon cases, complications may include:
- Damage to a blood vessel
- Heart attack or stroke
- Kidney injury related to contrast dye
- Serious bleeding
- Severe allergic reaction
- Life-threatening complications, very rarely
Before the procedure: Inform your cardiologist about kidney problems, allergies (especially to contrast dye), current medicines, diabetes and any previous reactions to contrast agents. Your medical team will provide specific preparation instructions.
What Factors May Affect Your Risk?
Your individual risk may depend on several factors, including:
- Existing kidney disease or reduced kidney function
- Previous allergic reactions to contrast dye
- Existing heart or blood vessel conditions
- Diabetes and other medical conditions
- Emergency procedures or complex interventions
- Age, general health and other individual risk factors
Your cardiologist will assess your medical history and discuss the most appropriate approach for your condition.
Schedule Your Angiography Consultation
Have questions about coronary angiography? Request an appointment with Hridayaa Cardiac and Vascular Care Centre to discuss your cardiac evaluation.
Share your details and preferred appointment date.
Get assistance with your consultation enquiry.
Discuss your diagnostic and treatment options with the medical team.
Frequently Asked Questions About Angiography
Find answers to common questions about coronary angiography.
1. What is coronary angiography?
Coronary angiography is an imaging procedure that uses contrast dye and X-rays to examine the arteries supplying blood to the heart.
2. Is angiography painful?
Local anaesthesia is usually given at the catheter insertion site. You may feel some pressure during catheter insertion or a temporary warm sensation when contrast dye is injected.
3. How long does an angiography procedure take?
A diagnostic coronary angiogram commonly takes around 30 minutes, although the time varies depending on the individual case.
4. Is angiography a surgery?
Coronary angiography is an invasive catheter-based imaging procedure. It does not usually require open-heart surgery.
5. What should I do before angiography?
Follow your cardiologist's instructions about fasting and medicines. Inform the medical team about allergies, kidney disease, diabetes and all medicines you take.
6. Can angiography detect blocked arteries?
Yes. Coronary angiography can show narrowing and blockages in the arteries that supply blood to the heart.
7. What happens if a blockage is found?
Your cardiologist will review the findings and discuss suitable treatment options. These may include medication, angioplasty or other treatment depending on your condition.
8. Is angiography safe?
It is a commonly performed procedure, but it carries potential risks. Your cardiologist will explain the benefits and risks based on your medical condition.
Get the Right Assessment for Your Heart
Contact Hridayaa Cardiac and Vascular Care Centre to enquire about a coronary angiography consultation.
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