When someone is showing the symptoms of coronary heart disease a coronary angiogram or cardiac catheterisation as it's also known may well be arranged.
The procedure is useful in showing how efficiently the heart is pumping, how the blood flow is, and if there is any narrowing of the coronary arteries.
All of this information is extremely useful in deciding what types of treatment are needed.
The appointment Check with your doctor, whether you need to stop taking any medications before your appointment You will be asked not to eat anything for a few hours before your test.
The catheter is normally inserted into either the groin or the arm so it is normally requested that you shave your groin area prior to your visit Done under local anaesthesia the test normally lasts for around half an hour but could well take longer.
You will be required to sign a consent form which confirms that you understand the risks as well as the benefits to the procedure and have given your permission for it to go ahead.
The procedure A heart monitor will be attached to you to enable constant monitoring of your heart rate and rhythm.
Never be afraid to mention it if you feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure.
Next you will lie on a table and the x-ray machine will be positioned over your chest, a local anaesthetic is then applied to the catheters point of entry on the skin.
A small hole will be made in the blood vessel into which a small tube called a sheath will be inserted, a fine wire is then threaded through the sheath and guided up the blood vessel to the heart.
Next the catheter is inserted over the wire until it reaches the heart, the wire is now removed.
The catheter is put in place to allow a special dye to be injected that is clearly visible on the x-rays which make it much easier to spot any narrowing of the blood vessels or problems with the heart.
After a series of x-rays have been taken the catheter is removed and the procedure ends.
Afterwards After the procedure your blood pressure, heart rate and entry point wound will be regularly checked by a nurse and you should be ready to return home in a few hours but you must arrange for someone to collect you from the hospital.
At home for the first few days, refrain from any heavy lifting or physical exercise to allow your wound to heal.
Results The results of the angiogram will be sent to your doctor although some details and recommendations may be given immediately following the procedure.