Angiography

If your GP suspects any of your arteries are blocked or narrowed then you may well be sent to the hospital for an Angiogram. If your GP suspects that blood vessels leading to your heart may be blocked, then it is the Coronary arteries that would be under investigation. These supply the blood to your heart and so any narrowing would lead to reduced blood flow and potential problems.

Angiography is a test that uses an injection of a liquid dye (contrast medium) into the arteries which shows blood flow when used in conjunction with an X-Ray. It can show when blood vessels are blocked, narrowed or damaged often as a result of Atheroma.The pictures obtained from Angiography are called Angiograms. Depending on the results of the Angiography you may well need to have an Angioplasty (see Angioplasty section) or possibly a CABG ( see CABG section).

The procedure: Angiography

• A needle is inserted into the artery under a local anaesthetic (often in the groin)
• A long thin ‘guide wire’ is then inserted and carefully manoeuvred with the aid of X-Rays and TV monitor though the artery until it reaches the area under investigation ( ie area suspected of narrowing).
• When the guide wire is in place, a Catheter (thin hollow tube normally made of rubber which can inject fluid) is inserted and pushed to the right position.
• The guide wire is then removed and the liquid dye is then injected into the artery by the catheter.
• This dye in combination with the X-Ray helps give a detailed image of the condition of the artery under investigation.

‘This information is intended as a guide only and should not be used as a substitute for medical information from your own doctor’