Coronary Angiography is an invasive test used to provide an imagery of the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. Essentially, this procedure is performed when there are signs to show restriction of blood flow within the heart. A distinctive dye is injected through a catheter (small tube) into the large artery in the groin or the wrost. The catheter is positioned at the openings of the coronary arteries before the dye is then injects.
Why do you need a Coronary Angiogram?
Coronary Angiography is a method to give a precise diagnosis and to detect defects and bloackages in the coronary arteries and various abnormalities that might exist. Your doctor will be able to decide on the best treatment options that fit you best.
Your doctor might recommend a Coronary Angiogram before performing a Coronary Angioplasty (ballooning) to visualise a route in order to carry out the procedure and might suggest the test to be done after a Coronary Bypass Surgery (open heart surgery) to find out if the grafts are still exposed.