01 — Overview
About Angiography
Coronary angiography is the most definitive test for coronary artery disease. A thin, flexible tube (catheter) is passed through an artery in the wrist or groin up to the heart, and a contrast dye makes the coronary arteries visible on X-ray.
The images show the location and severity of any narrowing, which helps your cardiologist decide whether medicines, angioplasty or surgery is the right next step.
02 — Who may need it
- 01Chest pain suggestive of angina
- 02An abnormal TMT or other test pointing to blocked arteries
- 03After a heart attack
- 04Before certain heart operations
03 — How it is done
- 1
Local anaesthesia
The wrist or groin is numbed. You stay awake and may be given a mild sedative.
- 2
Imaging
The catheter is guided to the heart under X-ray and dye is injected to film the arteries.
- 3
Completion
The catheter is removed and a pressure bandage applied; your cardiologist then discusses the findings.
04 — Before and after
- Preparation
- You will be told in advance about fasting, which medicines to continue or pause, and what to bring — usually your ID, previous reports and a list of current medicines.
- Duration & hospital stay
- Your cardiologist tells you how long the test or procedure takes and whether you can go home the same day, based on your case.
- Recovery & aftercare
- Before you leave you get a written plan for medicines, activity, work and driving, plus the date of your follow-up review.
- Risks, cost & insurance
- Risks, a cost estimate and your insurance or scheme options are explained to you and your family before consent is taken.
This page is for general information and does not replace advice from your doctor. Whether you need this test or treatment is decided after a consultation.