Coronary Angiography
Coronary angiography is considered the most accurate test to assess the coronary arteries. These arteries wrap around the outside of the heart and feed it with blood. Blockages in these arteries can cause heart attack. A coronary angiogram is a test to take pictures of these arteries. It is performed as a day-stay procedure in hospital. It involves a small tube (catheter) approximately 2mm in diameter being inserted into the artery in the groin or wrist. The catheter is moved through the blood vessels until it reaches the heart. Radiographic contrast dye is then injected and X-ray images are obtained. The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia with sedation.
An angiogram can determine whether coronary stenting or coronary artery bypass surgery might be needed.