Cardiac Catheterization (Angiogram)

Cardiac Catheterization Helps Diagnose Heart Disease

Cardiac catheterization utilizes a thin, flexible tube threaded through an artery to the heart. A radiographic dye with X-ray imaging helps your doctor see the arteries that feed the heart. Usually, cardiac catheterization helps diagnose what is causing restriction or blockage in blood flow as it travels to the heart. It also visualizes the heart's pumping chambers to look for abnormalities.

What happens during a coronary angiogram?

To perform this procedure, an interventional cardiologist will use a thin tube — or catheter — to inject a dye into the heart's coronary arteries and pumping chamber. The doctor inserts the catheter through the wrist's radial artery or the groin's femoral artery. Then it is threaded through the blood vessel until it reaches the heart. The dye makes the blood vessels visible to the X-ray machine while taking images at several angles. If needed, the interventional cardiologist can open clogged heart arteries simultaneously in a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), formerly known as an angioplasty.

When a coronary angiogram is recommended

Our heart care team members often recommend a coronary angiogram for people:

• With signs of coronary artery disease, such as heart pain — also known as angina
• Who have congenital heart disease or heart rhythm disorders — also called arrhythmia
• After a heart stress test reveals abnormal results
• With other blood vessel problems or a chest injury

Our interventional cardiologists will work with your other heart specialists at Wellstar. After your catheterization, we will diagnose your condition and offer a personalized heart care plan.

Learn more about cardiac diagnostics and imaging at Wellstar or find a location near you.