What Is Coronary Angiography And How Is It Performed?
It is a test which a cardiologist performs to look for narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. It is also called heart catheterization. It takes 20 to 40 minutes. Now coming to what happens during the procedure; The doctor or the lab staff inserts a small intravenous (IV) tube into the patient’s arm. This IV allows fluids and medications to be given to the patient. After this electrodes are placed on the patients’ chest to monitor his heart rate and rhythm. (The catheter can be inserted in the patient’s arm or groin area) The body of the patient is covered with sterile sheets and can be given a sedative to help him relax a bit. After this has been done a hollow tube is inserted into the artery in the groin or arm. Through this hollow tube, the doctors can move or advance guide wires and catheters to the arteries in the heart. Once the tube reaches its destination a special X-ray dye called contrast is injected through the tube.
