HOW TESTING IS PERFORMED

Coronary angiography is commonly performed with cardiac catheterization. This is a process that measures pressure in the heart chamber.

Before the start of the test, you will be given a soft pillow to help you relax.

Your body area (arm or groin) is cleansed and numb with a local anesthetic. The cardiologist passes a small empty tube, called a catheter, through a vein and carefully carries it to the heart. X-ray images help the doctor to place a catheter.

Once the catheter is in place, the dye is injected into the catheter. X-rays are taken to show how the dye travels through the arteries. The dye helps to highlight any blockage in the bloodstream.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE TEST

• You should not eat or drink anything for 2 hours before the start of the test.
• You will be wearing a hospital gown. You must sign the consent form before the test.

Tell your doctor if:

• You are not allergic to any medications or if you have had a negative reaction to comparing things in the past

In most cases, you will be awake during the test. You may feel some pressure in the area where the catheter is placed.

You may feel warm or feel warm after injecting the dye.

After testing, the catheter is removed. You may feel a strong pressure on the insertion site to prevent bleeding. If a catheter is inserted into your groin, you will be asked to lie on your back for a few hours to a few hours after the test to avoid bleeding. This can cause back pain.

WHY THE TEST IS PERFORMED

Coronary angiography can be performed if:

• You have angina for the first time.
• Your angina is worse, persistent, recurrent, or occurs at rest (called unstable angina).
• You have aortic stenosis or other valve problem.
• You have unusual chest pains, where some tests are common.
• You will have surgery on your heart and are at greater risk of developing coronary artery disease.
• You have a heart attack.
• He was diagnosed with heart disease.

Test shows how many coronary arteries, where they are blocked, and the size of the blockage.