A coronary angiogram is a procedure that uses X-ray imaging to see your heart's blood vessels. The test is generally done to see if there's a restriction in blood flow going to the heart.

Coronary angiograms are part of a general group of procedures known as heart (cardiac) catheterizations. Cardiac catheterization procedures can both diagnose and treat heart and blood vessel conditions. A coronary angiogram, which can help diagnose heart conditions, is the most common type of cardiac catheterization procedure.

During a coronary angiogram, a type of dye that's visible by an X-ray machine is injected into the blood vessels of your heart. The X-ray machine rapidly takes a series of images (angiograms), offering a look at your blood vessels. If necessary, your doctor can open clogged heart arteries (angioplasty) during your coronary angiogram.

Why it's done?

Your doctor may recommend that you have a coronary angiogram if you have:

1) Symptoms of coronary artery disease, such as chest pain (angina)

2) Pain in your chest, jaw, neck or arm that can't be explained by other tests

3) New or increasing chest pain (unstable angina)

4) A heart defect you were born with (congenital heart disease)

5) Abnormal results on a non-invasive heart stress test

6) Other blood vessel problems or a chest injury

7) A heart valve problem that requires surgery

How do you prepare for the Surgery?

In some cases, coronary angiograms are performed on an emergency basis. More commonly, though, they're scheduled in advance, giving you time to prepare.

Angiograms are performed in the catheterization (cath) lab of a hospital. Your health care team will give you specific instructions and talk to you about any medications you take. General guidelines include:

1) Don't eat or drink anything after midnight before your angiogram

2) Take all your medications to the hospital with you in their original bottles. Ask your doctor about whether to take your usual morning medications

3) If you have diabetes, ask your doctor if you should take insulin or other oral medications before your angiogram

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What you can expect?

Before the procedure

Before your angiogram procedure starts, your health care team will review your medical history, including allergies and medications you take. The team may perform a physical exam and check your vital signs — blood pressure and pulse.

You'll also empty your bladder and change into a hospital gown. You may have to remove contact lenses, eyeglasses, jewellery and hairpins.

How do you prepare?

A doctor will explain how to prepare for an angiogram during the appointment before the procedure. In most cases, people will need to avoid eating and drinking anything the night before the procedure.

People should also arrange for someone to drive them home after they leave the hospital.

It’s important for a person to remember to bring the following items:

1) a list of current medications and supplements

2) a list of all known allergies

3) a current driver’s license or another form of identification

4) current medical insurance information

After the person signs in, a nurse will lead them to a private room where they can change into a hospital gown.

The nurse will then insert an intravenous (IV) line into a small vein on the person’s hand or wrist. They will also check the person’s vitals, including their:

1) Weight

2) Body Temperature

3) Heart Rate

4) Blood Pressure

During the procedure

Before the test, a doctor may administer a mild sedative, which will help the person relax. It will not induce unconsciousness.

The doctor will then disinfect and numb the area of the body where they will insert the catheter. They will make a small cut in the skin and insert the catheter into an artery.

Once the catheter is inside the artery, the doctor will carefully guide it to the blood vessel they want to examine. They will inject the contrast dye through the catheter and take X-ray images of the blood vessel. The person may feel a slight burning sensation when the doctor injects the contrast dye.

After the procedure

After taking the X-ray images, the doctor will remove the catheter and apply steady pressure on the area for about 15 minutes. This ensures that there is no internal bleeding.

A nurse will then take the person back to their hospital room or to the cardiac unit. The doctor may return later to discuss the person’s results.

Recovery

After an angiogram, a person will need to rest for a while.

Tips that may help during recovery include:

1) Avoid driving or operating machinery until any sedative has completely worn off.

2) Drink plenty of water.

3) Avoid strenuous physical activity for the first few days.

4) Keep the wound clean and dry.

5) Avoid taking baths, using hot tubs, or swimming in pools while the wound heals.