Angiogram
If your clinical signs and symptoms indicate possible coronary artery disease, your physician may order angiography. Coronary angiography is a test that uses dye and special X-rays to show the inside of your coronary arteries. An angiogram allows the interventional cardiologist to determine if narrowing or blockage of your coronary arteries exists, the location and to what extent.
During a cardiac catherization procedure, a long, thin flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into your femoral artery (generally, in the groin area). The catheter is carefully threaded into your coronary arteries, and dye is injected into your bloodstream. Special X-rays are taken while the dye is flowing through the coronary arteries. You’re awake during the procedure. Mild sedation may be given.
After coronary angiography, you’ll be moved to a special care area, where you’ll rest and be monitored for several hours or overnight. During this time, you’ll need to limit your movement to avoid bleeding from the site where the catheter was inserted.
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