Coronary Angiography

Coronary angiography is an X-ray examination of the blood vessels or chambers of the heart. A tube is inserted either in your groin or arm. When positioned either in the heart or at the beginning of the arteries supplying the heart, a special fluid (calle

Coronary angiography is an X-ray examination of the blood vessels or chambers of the heart. A tube is inserted either in your groin or arm. When positioned either in the heart or at the beginning of the arteries supplying the heart, a special fluid (called a contrast medium or dye) is injected. This fluid is visible by X-ray and the pictures that are obtained are called angiograms.

Other names for this test are angiocardiography and coronary arteriography.

What are the pros and cons of angiography?

It isn't possible to discuss the pros and cons of coronary arteriography, because it's different for every patient. It should be discussed on an individual basis by the physician and patient. An angiogram is necessary before deciding whether further treatment is needed.