Coronary angiogram
This test is usually performed as a day case. It is also known as cardiac catheterisation.
The patient lies down on an X-ray table. Local anaesthetic is used. A small tube is introduced into either the femoral artery at the top of the leg or the radial artery in the wrist. The catheter is introduced into a coronary artery and an iodine containing liquid is injected. The artery is then imaged on the monitor. Several moving images will be stored. A picture of the pumping chamber may be needed and this may produce a warm flush.
The outcome of the coronary angiogram may be that tablets alone are needed or coronary intervention may be recommended. This may be angioplasty with stent of bypass surgery.
The risk of major complications or mortality from a coronary angiogram is less than 1:1000.