Angiogram
While noninvasive procedures like the PET Scan and ultrasound can detect many heart problems, sometimes it is necessary to perform an invasive procedure called a coronary angiogram to identify a heart problem. Generally, doctors turn to angiography only after other tests have proven inconclusive or incomplete. In a coronary angiogram, a dye is injected into the arteries through a catheter and then looked at through X-ray cameras to detect any vessel blockages.

Coronary angiography is performed at a hospital in a special X-ray-equipped suite called a catheterization laboratory. Usually patients can arrive at the hospital the morning of the procedure. To prepare for the catheter insertion, a small area on either your arm or the side of your groin is cleansed and shaved.

During the angiogram, you are on an examining table under a fluoroscope (X-ray camera.) Either the table or the camera is movable so that many different angles of your heart can be seen on the television screen.

Everything is done to ensure your comfort and safety. Your heart and blood pressure are monitored by electrocardiography and a blood pressure cuff. You receive a local anesthetic to numb the site for the catheter insertion as well as a sedative to help you relax. However, you do need to be awake as the doctor may ask you to hold your breath or cough during the procedure.

When you are ready, a catheter -- a thin flexible plastic tube -- is inserted into a blood vessel. You probably won't feel the insertion since that area has been anesthetized, but you may experience occasional minor discomfort. After the catheter is in position, a non-toxic dye is injected through it. You may feel a tingling sensation as the dye is being released. As the dye mixes with your blood, it makes the movement in the arteries visible to the X-ray cameras. If the arteries are blocked, the camera will show your doctor the exact location of the blockage.

Following the procedure, the doctor will withdraw the catheter and apply pressure to stop any bleeding. Also, you will be required to lie flat with a "pressure device" applying continuous pressure to the site for several hours. The area where the catheter was inserted may be sore, bruised, or slightly swollen, and you shouldn't walk around for several hours. As with any invasive procedures, there is a small amount of risk and discomfort with a coronary angiogram, but the likelihood of any occurrence is small. Your doctor can talk about the risks before the procedure.