A coronary angiogram is a special X-ray test. It shows whether your coronary arteries are narrowed or blocked. The coronary arteries supply your heart muscle with blood. They can become clogged from a buildup of cholesterol, cells or other substances (plaque). This can reduce the blood flow to your heart. If plaque in a heart artery breaks, a blood clot forms. The clot further blocks the blood flow through the narrowed artery. If the blood flow is completely blocked to part of the heart muscle, it can result in a heart attack. An angiogram can help show where and the percentage your arteries are blocked. This information helps your health care team choose what treatment you need.
Coronary Angiogram (Cardiac Catheterization)
Who needs coronary angiogram?
A coronary angiogram is usually recommended for people who may have heart disease or symptoms of blocked arteries. Your doctor may suggest this test if you:
- Have chest pain (angina) that suggests reduced blood flow to your heart.
- Experience shortness of breath or other signs of heart problems.
- Have an abnormal result from a stress test or other heart tests.
- Had a heart attack and need to determine the extent of blockage.
- Have known heart disease and need evaluation before surgery or treatment.
- Experience unexplained chest discomfort that could be related to heart issues.
The test helps doctors determine the best treatment, such as medications, stents, or bypass surgery, to restore proper blood flow to your heart.
Problems diagnosed by coronary angiogram:
Apart from diseased coronary arteries, an angiogram can also diagnose a range of heart problems including aneurysm (abnormal ballooning of the heart wall), heart arrhythmias (irregular heart beat) or birth defects, such as a hole in the heart.
How do I prepare for the test?
You must inform your doctor of any medications you are currently taking along with any allergies you may have. Your doctor will communicate the length of time you should refrain from eating and drinking before your procedure. You must refrain from eating and drinking usually, six to eight hours before your heart catheterization.
What happens during an angiogram?
Most coronary angiograms are done as day procedures, meaning you can go home the same day. the hospital’s heart catheterization lab (“cath lab”) for the test. Before the test, a nurse will review your medical history and ask you to change into a hospital gown.
You will have an intravenous (IV) line inserted into a vein in your arm. You may be given medicine to help you relax through the IV, as well as other medications and fluids. You will stay awake for the test.
Spots on your groin or arm will be numbed and a thin tube (catheter) will be inserted into an artery and up to your heart. Special fluid goes through the catheter and this fluid makes your arteries show up well on the X-ray.
Your health care professional will study the X-ray images for any problems with your coronary arteries. The test takes between 30-50 minutes.
What might I feel?
Slight pressure as the catheter is put in, an urge to urinate, sense of warmth all over the body from the fluid. Some people might have nausea or feel some chest discomfort as the fluid goes in. These symptoms are rare and may only occur for a short time.
What Happens Next?
After the test, your healthcare team will discuss your results with you. If your arteries have severe narrowing or blockages, treatment options may include Angioplasty or Stent Placement or Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) Surgery.
If the narrowing isn’t severe enough to restrict blood flow, you may not need a procedure. Instead, your doctor may recommend medications and lifestyle changes to help control blood pressure and cholesterol, preventing further plaque buildup.
Lifestyle Changes to Improve Heart Health
- Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke.
- Follow a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Stay physically active with regular exercise.
