What is Coronary Angiography?

A Closer Look at Your Heart

Coronary angiography is a diagnostic procedure that uses a special dye (contrast material) and X-rays to allow a cardiologist or other specialist to see how blood flows through the arteries in your heart.

This test is used to detect blockages or narrowing in the arteries that supply blood to your heart. It can help your doctor analyze your heart and decide the course of treatment for any heart-related issues you may be experiencing.

Why Would You Need a Coronary Angiography?

Your cardiologist may recommend this test if you have symptoms of coronary artery disease, such as chest pain, fatigue or shortness of breath.

You may also need a coronary angiography if you have had abnormal stress test results, as a follow-up after a heart event, or if your cardiologist needs to evaluate you before heart surgery.

Benefits of a Coronary Angiography

A coronary angiography is beneficial for diagnosing certain heart conditions by providing cardiologists with a detailed view of the coronary arteries. This view allows them to identify any blockages in the blood vessels and make informed decisions about your treatment plan.

Other benefits of a coronary angiography include:

Accurate diagnosis of heart problems
Assessing heart function
Evaluation of atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the artery walls)
Planning procedures, such as heart valve replacement or repair

If your cardiologist has decided that you require a coronary angiography, they want to collect more detailed information about your heart. They will inform you about preparation, details and recovery of the actual procedure.

The Coronary Angiography Procedure

Coronary angiography is usually performed as an outpatient procedure. A mild sedative will be given to help you relax. The amount of sedation depends on the reason for the coronary angiography and your overall health. In most cases, you will be awake during the test, and you may feel some pressure at the site where the catheter is placed.

Depending on where the catheter will be inserted, the groin, wrist, arm, or neck area will be cleaned and numbed. Your cardiologist will insert a thin, flexible tube called a catheter into an artery. They carefully move the catheter into the heart. You will not be able to feel it move through your blood vessels. X-ray images ensure the catheter is in the correct position.

A catheter can sometimes cause abnormal heart rhythms. If this happens, your cardiologist will move it to another position. If this does not help, the catheter is removed.

Once the catheter is in place, your cardiologist will inject a contrast dye to highlight any blockages in blood flow. You may feel a slight burning sensation after they inject the dye. Using X-ray imaging, your cardiologist will watch as the dye moves through your blood vessels.

They may also use coronary angiography to widen blocked or narrowed arteries (angioplasty) or to place a wire mesh tube (stent) into the artery to keep it open. However, these procedures can be performed separately. The procedure commonly lasts about 30 to 60 minutes.

“Coronary angiography is minimally invasive, and generally a safe procedure that provides valuable information about your heart, and helps your cardiologist make tailored, informed decisions about your treatment plan.”

Uschi Auguste, MD, Catholic Health Cardiologist

Recovery from Coronary Angiography

Once the procedure is complete, you will move to a recovery room. A healthcare team will check your heartbeat, blood pressure and oxygen levels. You may feel sore at the insertion site after removing the catheter. If the catheter was inserted into your leg or groin area, you will need to lie on your back for several hours during recovery. This helps prevent bleeding.

Most people go home the same day after having a coronary angiography. Others may stay in the hospital for a day or more, depending on the results of the procedure.

Patients should follow instructions for recovery when they are released, which will include limiting your activities for several days, keeping the wound dry, and following up with your cardiologist immediately if you feel any discomfort or see signs of infection.

Risks of a Coronary Angiography

A coronary angiography is a safe procedure, however, as with any procedure, there are potential risks which may include:

Allergic reaction to contrast dye
Bleeding or pain at the IV or catheter site
Blood clots
Infection
Injured blood vessel
Low blood pressure
Serious complications such as stroke or heart attack, although they are rare

After a Coronary Angiography Procedure

After your procedure, your cardiologist will discuss your test results with you. Treatment plans will vary based on the test results.

If you have severe blockages or narrowing, you may require further treatment such as an angioplasty or stent. If you do not have severe blockages, your physician may prescribe a blood thinner to prevent blood clots.

“You should also make lifestyle changes such as stopping smoking, losing weight, increasing your physical activity, managing stress and eating a heart-healthy diet,” said Dr. Auguste.

It is also important to keep up with routine visits to your primary care doctor and your cardiologist to check your heart health. Learn more about St. Francis Heart Center Cardiology Services at Catholic Health.