Coronary Angiogram

A coronary angiogram is an X-ray test that is performed to find out if your coronary arteries are narrowed or blocked, and if so, where and by how much. It is also known as cardiac angiography.

An angiogram can help your doctor to see if you need treatment such as a cardiac angioplasty and stent, coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG), or medicines and lifestyle changes.

You might require a coronary angiogram if you have:

• coronary artery disease symptoms, such as chest pain (angina) that has recently started or has changed
• abnormal results on a stress test or electrocardiogram (EKG)
• unusual chest discomfort or shortness of breath that cannot be explained by other tests
• a heart defect you were born with (congenital heart disease)
• a heart attack, a heart valve problem, or heart failure
• other blood vessel problems or a chest injury.

You will probably have non-invasive heart tests before an angiogram, such as blood tests, an electrocardiogram (ECG), an echocardiogram, or a stress ECG.

A coronary angiogram is performed by injecting a dye, that is visible by an X-ray machine, into the blood vessels of your heart. The X-ray machine rapidly takes a series of images of your blood vessels (angiograms).

If necessary, your cardiologist can open clogged heart arteries using balloon angioplasty during your coronary angiogram.

Prior

Before your procedure, you will be asked not to eat or drink anything for a few hours. You may need to avoid certain medicines before your procedure. Your doctor will advise on these. Your health care team will review your medical history. You will change into a hospital gown.

During

The test is done in a cardiac catheter laboratory or ‘cath lab’. You will lie on your back on an X-ray table. Safety straps may be fastened across your chest and legs as the table may be tilted during the procedure. X-ray pictures will be taken from many angles.

During your procedure, a heart monitor will record your heart rate and rhythm and a probe on your finger will measure your oxygen levels.

A small amount of hair may be shaved from your groin or arm. A thin flexible tube, called a catheter is inserted and you will be given a local anaesthetic injection. You will be awake throughout the procedure.

The catheter is then passed through your blood vessels and up to your heart or coronary arteries using X-ray guidance.

A small amount of special dye called contrast is then passed through the catheter. You may feel a warm flushing sensation as the contrast is injected. The contrast dye is easy to see on X-ray images. As it moves through your blood vessels, your doctor can see its flow and identify any narrowed areas or blockages in your coronary artery.

The angiogram lasts for about 40 minutes to an hour. It may be longer if your doctor decides to perform treatment at the same time, such as balloon angioplasty and stent to open up a narrowed artery.

After

Following your coronary angiogram, the catheter will be taken out and direct pressure will be applied for a short time to ensure you have no internal bleeding.

Your blood pressure, pulse, breathing, and wound site will be checked regularly and recorded.

You will rest for several hours before going home. You may need to lie on your back during this time if the catheter was in your groin. If you had a stent placed, you may need to stay in the hospital overnight. You should have someone drive you home as you have had an anaesthetic.

Your wound may feel sensitive and bruised for a week or so afterward and you may be tired. You will be given advice on adopting a cholesterol-lowering diet.

Your cardiologist will discuss your initial results and you may have a follow-up appointment to further consider your treatment.

The benefits of a coronary angiogram are that it can show if your coronary arteries are narrowed, where they are narrowed, and by how much. With this information, your cardiologist can make treatment decisions to prevent further artery narrowing and reduce your risk of a heart attack.

A coronary angiogram can also help your cardiologist to see if a change in treatment is improving your coronary heart disease symptoms such as angina and your risk of a heart attack or death from heart problems. They may try treatments including medicines, angioplasty, and coronary artery bypass surgery.

An experienced healthcare provider can safely perform coronary angiography.

However, there are risks of complications. Older people or those with diabetes or kidney disease are more at risk of complications. Complications can include low blood pressure, a heart attack or stroke, an injured blood vessel, abnormal heartbeats, pain, bleeding, or infection at the catheter site, and a reaction to the dye.

The cost of a coronary angiogram will depend on your Ramsay hospital of choice.

You will receive a formal quotation price for your cardiac resynchronisation therapy following your consultation with one of our expert cardiologists. This formal quote will be valid for 60 days.

Ramsay is recognised by all major medical insurers, this treatment is covered by most medical insurance policies as long as they are deemed medically necessary by your doctor. We advise you to obtain written authorisation from your insurance provider. 

We have a number of finance options if you are paying for your treatment yourself with no deposit and benefit from flexible payment plans to suit your finances. Find out more about accessing healthcare with us here.