The coronary arteries supply your heart muscle with blood. They can become clogged from a buildup of cholesterol, cells or other substances.This can reduce the flow of blood to your heart. If a blood clot forms and completely blocks blood flow through that artery, a heart attack may occur. A coronary angiogram is a special X-ray test. It’s done to find out if your coronary arteries are clogged, where and by how much. An angiogram can help your doctor see if you need treatment such as angioplasty, coronary artery bypass surgery or medical therapy.

Angioplasty isn’t necessary for all blockages. Sometimes all you need to do is take medicines and :
• Lower your blood pressure.
• Stop smoking.
• Reduce the cholesterol in your blood.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Stay physically active.

What happens during an angiogram

• You may be given medicine to relax you, but you will stay awake.
• You go to the hospital’s heart catheterization laboratory (“cath lab”).
• You lie on a hard table near a camera and other equipment.
• Your doctor numbs a spot on your groin or arm and inserts a thin tube (catheter) into an arteryz and up to the heart.
   This will hurt no more than a blood test.
• Special fluid goes through the catheter so arteries show up well on the X-ray.
• Many X-rays are taken as the fluid goes through the artery.
• You may be asked to hold your breath or cough.
• By studying the X-ray images, the doctor can see any problems with your coronary arteries.
• If you wish, you can see the X-ray pictures on the screen during or after the test.

    

    * Adapted from the American Heart Association Website