Coronary Angiography
Coronary angiography is a procedure in which a contrast material that can be seen using X-ray equipment is injected into one of the arteries of the heart. This allows the cardiologist to view the flow of blood through your heart.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
The information presented below is only for informational purposes. Your surgeon will talk to you about details regarding your specific procedure.
Why is a coronary angiography done?
Coronary angiography is performed to detect obstruction in the coronary arteries, which can lead to heart attack. It may be performed if you have unstable angina, atypical chest pain, aortic stenosis, or unexplained heart failure. The test may also be performed for other reasons.
How is the test performed?
Coronary angiography is usually performed in conjunction with cardiac catheterization. You will be given a mild sedative prior to the test to help you relax. The study is carried out in a laboratory by a trained cardiologist or radiologist and technicians or nurses. An intravenous (IV) line is inserted into one of the blood vessels in your arm or groin after the site has been cleansed and numbed with a local anesthetic.
A catheter is then inserted through the IV and into your blood vessel. The catheter is carefully threaded into the heart using an X-ray machine that produces real-time pictures (fluoroscopy). Once the catheter is in place, contrast material is injected and pictures are taken.
What will I need to do to prepare for the test?
You will be asked not to eat or drink anything for at least 6 to 8 hours prior to the procedure. You should tell you doctor if you are allergic to any particular types of food or if you have had an allergic reaction to any contract materials in the past or any medications that you may be on.
How much weight loss can I expect after this procedure?
Typically, patients who undergo the lap band procedure lose anywhere between 40-50% of their pre-procedure weight over the course of 1-2 years.
Are there any foods that I cannot eat after undergoing the procedure?
Most patients find they are unable to easily tolerate red meat, pasta, rice, fresh bread and fibrous foods. You will be asked to eat three meals a day with one planned snack, chew your food very well and swallow slowly. You must only drink either no or low caloric beverages and wait at least one hour between eating and drinking.
What will happen during the test?
You will be awake and able to follow instructions during the coronary angiogram. A mild sedative is usually given 30 minutes before the procedure to help you relax. The procedure may last from 1 to several hours. You may feel some discomfort at the site where the IV is placed. Local anesthesia will be used to numb the site, so the only sensation should be one of pressure at the site. Occasionally, a flushing sensation occurs after the contrast media is injected. Discomfort may also arise from having to remain still for a long time. After the test, the catheter is removed. You might feel a firm pressure at the insertion site, used to prevent bleeding. If the IV is placed in your groin, you will usually be asked to lie flat on your back for a few hours after the test to avoid bleeding. This may cause some mild back discomfort.
What do normal and abnormal results of the test indicate?
Normal results may signify adequate blood supply to the heart. Abnormal results may on the other hand signify blockage of the coronary arteries, how many arteries are blocked, where they are blocked and the amount of blockage in each. All of these results will help your cardiologist take the next step to deciding what treatment might be best for you.
Are there any risks that I should be aware of?
Generally, the risks associated with coronary angiography are minimal. However, they can include any of the following: cardiac arrhythmias, trauma to the artery, low blood pressure, an allergic reaction to the contrast material, hemorrhage, or very rarely stroke or a heart attack.