Coronary Angiogram

A coronary angiogram is a specialized angiogram that examines the coronary arteries supplying the heart. It is the gold standard for diagnosing coronary artery disease, angina, and evaluating heart attack damage.

• Fast for 6–8 hours before the procedure.
• Review medications, especially diabetes drugs and blood thinners.
• Blood tests, ECG, and echocardiogram may be done before the 

You will be given sedation or anesthesia. A catheter is inserted into an artery in the wrist or groin and guided to the coronary arteries. Contrast dye highlights blood flow on X-ray. The procedure takes 30–60 minutes. If blockages are found, angioplasty or stenting may be performed immediately.

• Bleeding or hematoma at the catheter site.
• Arrhythmias, allergic reaction to dye, or kidney strain.
• Rare complications include heart attack, stroke, or artery tear.

Your cardiologist will review images and explain whether you need stents, bypass surgery, or medication adjustment. Recovery usually involves a short hospital stay.