What is it?
Coronary angiography is an imaging study that visualizes the coronary arteries — the vessels that supply blood to the heart — by injecting contrast and recording X-ray images during a catheterization.
What is it used for?
It is used to detect obstructions or narrowing in the coronary arteries, confirming or ruling out coronary disease. It is usually the study that determines whether further treatment, such as an angioplasty, is needed.
How is it performed, in general terms?
Access to an artery is gained, generally in the wrist or the groin, under local anesthesia. Contrast is injected into the coronary arteries through a catheter while X-ray images are recorded, allowing the path of each artery to be visualized and any obstructions detected.
Typical preparation
It is important to inform the medical team about known allergies (particularly to iodine) and about kidney function, since contrast is used. The rest of the preparation (fasting, medication, prior studies) is indicated by the treating team. You can review the general guidelines for preparing for a study, which always work alongside your physician's specific instructions.
What happens afterward?
Good hydration is recommended to help eliminate the contrast used, along with the medical team's instructions about rest and care of the puncture site.
Frequently asked questions
No. Coronary angiography is a diagnostic imaging study; angioplasty is a treatment that may be indicated if the study finds a blockage that requires it.
It is performed with local anesthesia at the puncture site. There may be mild discomfort during the contrast injection, which is normal and temporary.
Duration varies depending on each case. The medical team can give you an estimate before the study.