What is an Angiogram?

A coronary angiogram or cardiac catheter is the “gold standard” for the evaluation of coronary artery disease (CAD).  The procedure uses X-Rays to investigate the coronary arteries to see if there is narrowing or blockage.  Narrowing in these arteries can cause chest pain (angina) and a blockage can cause a heart attack.

An angiogram is a ‘day procedure’ performed under local anaesthetic and intravenous sedation, so causes minimal discomfort.  After inserting a contrast dye, the Cardiologist inserts a small catheter through the skin into an artery in either the groin or the wrist to examine the coronary arteries.

If the Cardiologist identifies a significant narrowing or blockage, the coronary artery may possibly be treated during the angiogram by a technique known as Angioplasty or Stent.