Understanding Coronary Angiography

Coronary angiography is a special X-ray test that uses contrast dye to show the arteries supplying blood to your heart. It is one of the main tools for detecting blockages or narrowing that may cause chest pain, heart attack, or other heart problems.

When it’s used

Doctors may recommend angiography if you have:

Chest pain or angina not fully explained by other tests
A heart attack or suspicion of one
Abnormal results on an ECG, stress test, or echocardiogram
Known heart disease that needs re-evaluation

How the procedure works

Access point — A thin, flexible tube (catheter) is inserted into an artery, usually in your wrist (radial artery) or groin (femoral artery).
Contrast dye — A special iodine dye is injected to make blood vessels visible on X-ray.
X-ray imaging — The cardiologist views real-time images (angiograms) to look for narrowed or blocked arteries.
Next steps — Depending on findings, treatment may involve medication, angioplasty with stent, or bypass surgery.

Preparation

Fasting — usually no food or drink for 6–8 hours before
Medications — your doctor may adjust blood thinners, diabetes medicines, or ask you to take aspirin
Allergies — tell your team if you’ve had a reaction to contrast dye, iodine, or shellfish

Recovery

You’ll rest in a recovery area for a few hours.
Most people go home the same day (if stable).
Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 1–2 days, especially if the groin was used.
Watch for bleeding, swelling, or unusual pain at the catheter site.

Risks (uncommon)

Bleeding or bruising where the catheter was inserted
Allergic reaction to dye
Kidney strain from the contrast dye (higher risk if you already have kidney problems)
Rare complications like stroke, heart attack, or arrhythmia