Coronary Angiography (Coronarography)

Coronary angiography is a diagnostic procedure used to visualize the coronary arteries, the blood vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart.
 

It is performed when there is a suspicion of narrowing or blockage in these arteries due to coronary artery disease, a condition that may cause chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, heart attack, or abnormal results on cardiac tests.

 

How the procedure is performed

• The test takes place in a cardiac catheterization lab under sterile conditions, typically with local anesthesia.

• The cardiologist inserts a small catheter (a thin flexible tube) into an artery, most commonly through the wrist (radial artery) or sometimes the groin (femoral artery).

• The catheter is carefully guided up to the heart.

• A contrast dye is injected into the coronary arteries, allowing them to be clearly seen under X-ray imaging.

• This imaging helps the doctor identify any narrowing (stenosis) or blockages in the vessels.

• The procedure usually lasts 20–40 minutes, is generally painless, and the patient remains awake and monitored throughout.

 

If a significant blockage is found, it can often be treated immediately with coronary angioplasty and stent placement, avoiding the need for a separate procedure.

Additional tests that may be performed during angiography

 

In some cases, advanced techniques are used to obtain more detailed information:

-FFR – Fractional Flow Reserve
Measures the functional impact of a narrowing, determining whether it is actually restricting blood flow enough to require treatment with a stent.

-IVUS – Intravascular Ultrasound
Uses ultrasound inside the artery to analyze the vessel wall, the severity of the narrowing, and the characteristics of the atherosclerotic plaque.

-OCT – Optical Coherence Tomography
Uses infrared light to provide extremely high-resolution images of the artery interior. It is particularly useful for evaluating plaque features and ensuring optimal stent placement.

 

After the procedure

• You will be monitored for a few hours.

• Recovery is especially quick if the procedure is performed through the wrist.

• Most patients are discharged the same day or the next morning.

• Normal activities can usually be resumed within 24–48 hours, following medical advice.