A coronary angiogram is a special X-ray test. It's done to find out if your coronary arteries are blocked or narrowed, where and by how much. An angiogram can help to determine if you need treatment such as an angioplasty or stent, coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) or medical therapy.

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It is a simple procedure performed under local anaesthetic in a special X-ray room called a Cardiac Catheter Lab. A small needle is placed in an artery, usually in the front of the wrist, but sometimes the top on the leg. A wire is then passed to the top of the heart via the arteries and over the wire small tubes or catheters are passed. These tubes are used to find the heart arteries and inject a radio-opaque contrast agent along the arteries to look for a narrowing.

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This is a commonly performed investigation is high risk patients presenting with chest pain.

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Click here for a link to the BHF information video.

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Click here for the BHF information booklet.