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Coronary Angiography
Coronary angiography or coronary arteriography uses X-ray and contrast (dye) to capture images of the coronary arteries, the arteries that bring blood to the heart. To inject the contrast (dye) into the blood stream, a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel in the upper thigh (groin) or arm and passed through to the coronary artery or heart. Once the catheter is in place the contrast (dye) is released images called coronary angiograms are taken. The coronary angiograms can indicate the build up of plaque on the inside walls of the coronary arteries and can help detect coronary artery disease (CAD). This procedure is performed in a cardiovascular catheterization laboratory, with local anesthesia.
