A coronary angiogram
is a procedure that uses X-ray imaging to see your heart's blood vessels. The
test is generally done to see if there's a restriction in blood flow going to
the heart.
Coronary angiograms
are part of a general group of procedures known as heart (cardiac)
catheterizations. Cardiac catheterization procedures can both diagnose and
treat heart and blood vessel conditions. A coronary angiogram, which can help
diagnose heart conditions, is the most common type of cardiac catheterization
procedure.
During a coronary
angiogram, a type of dye that's visible by an X-ray machine is injected into
the blood vessels of your heart. The X-ray machine rapidly takes a series of
images (angiograms), offering a look at your blood vessels. If necessary, your
doctor can open clogged heart arteries (angioplasty) during your coronary
angiogram.
