Angiogram (also known as coronary angiogram or cardiac catheterisation)

What can an angiogram show?

An angiogram looks inside the coronary arteries. It can show exactly where any narrowings in the coronary arteries are and how severe they are. It can also help decide what sort of treatment a person with coronary heart disease or angina may need. For example it can show if they need to have a coronary angioplasty or heart bypass surgery. It can also give information about the blood pressure inside the heart and how well the heart is pumping.

How is an angiogram carried out?

The hospital will ask you not to eat or drink anything for a few hours before the procedure. The test takes place in a cath lab (also called a catheter lab). It usually takes a minimum of half an hour, but can take longer. A catheter (a thin, flexible, hollow plastic tube) is passed into the artery in the groin or occasionally the arm. You will have a local anaesthetic to numb the area where the catheter is inserted. Using X-ray screening the catheter is directed through the blood vessels and into the heart.

A special dye is injected into the catheter and a series of X-ray pictures are taken. The dye sometimes causes a hot, flushing sensation. The dye shows up all the coronary arteries on the X-rays, to see if there are any narrowings or blockages there. While you are having the angiogram you will be continually linked to a heart monitor that records your heart rate and rhythm.

If at any time during the procedure you feel unwell or experience any discomfort, you should tell a member of staff.

What happens after an angiogram?

When the angiogram is over, the catheter is removed from the artery. Sometimes there may be a small amount of bleeding when the catheter is removed. A nurse or doctor will press on your groin for a short while or put in a plug called an angioseal to stop any bleeding. You will be asked to stay in bed for a short while afterwards.

Most people who have an angiogram will be able to go home the same day. However depending on your results and your condition, the doctor may want you to stay in hospital longer.

A common after-effect is bruising developing around the groin and the area may be tender for a few days. You may feel tired following the test but you should feel back to normal within a few days. If you have any concerns you should contact your doctor.

Are there any risks to having an angiogram?

If there is bleeding from the place where the catheter was put in, occasionally it can leave a haematoma (where blood collects under the skin). This can feel uncomfortable and can cause bruising.

A coronary angiogram is a relatively safe test and serious complications are rare. The risk of having a heart attack, stroke or dying is estimated at about 1 or in every 1000 people. However the risk varies depending on your overall health and your individual heart condition. Your doctor will not recommend that you have a coronary angiogram unless he or she feels the benefits outweigh the small risk.

For more information on angiograms see our booklet Tests for heart conditions and our DVD Going with the flow (also available on video).

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