NWHC Service 2

A Coronary angiogram (or arteriogram) is an x-ray of the arteries located on the surface of the heart (the coronary arteries). A coronary angiogram is often conducted along with other catheter-based tests as part of cardiac catheterization, which includes measuring blood pressure, taking samples for blood tests, a coronary angiogram and left ventriculogram. In order to take an angiogram, the cardiologist needs to inject a special dye (contrast medium) into the coronary arteries. To do that, the cardiologist inserts a thin tube (catheter) through a blood vessel, usually in the upper thigh, all the way up to the heart. Once the catheter is in place, the cardiologist can inject the dye through the catheter and into the coronary arteries. Then the x-ray can be taken. Although the cardiologist typically numbs the area where he or she inserts the catheter, the patient is awake for the entire procedure and does not ordinarily feel the movement of the catheter within the blood vessels.

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