This test allows visualisation of the heart arteries by inserting tubes into an artery in the wrist, or less commonly, the top of the leg. Under x-ray, the tubes are positioned in the arteries supplying the heart and pictures obtained allowing us to see if the vessels are blocked or narrowed. We also get information about the heart and the 2 valves on the left side of the body. (link to slide 4)
What will happen during the angiogram?
- You will be asked not to eat or drink anything for a few hours before your procedure.
- You’ll be given a local anaesthetic injection in the wrist or groin. The catheter (a thin, flexible tube) will then be passed into an artery.
- The catheter will be directed through your blood vessels and up to your heart. The doctors will use X-ray to help guide them to the arteries.
- A special dye called contrast will then be passed through the catheter and a series of images will be taken. It is very common to feel a hot, flushing sensation as the dye enters your bloodstream, but this is completely normal and only lasts for a few seconds. The dye will show up any narrowed areas or blockages in the artery on the X-ray.
- During your procedure, you’ll be attached to a heart monitor that records your heart rate and rhythm and you’ll have a probe measuring your oxygen levels on your finger. If you feel unwell or uncomfortable at any time, you should tell a member of the hospital staff.
Right heart catheter – This is similar to a coronary angiogram, and is undertaken in an x-ray room. Tubes are inserted into the veins, commonly at the top of the leg, and passed around the right side of the heart allowing direct measurement of the pressures inside the different parts of the heart. A coronary angiogram is usually undertaken afterwards.