Coronary Angiogram

A Coronary Angiogram is a test that uses X-rays to help your doctor find narrowing or blockage in one or more of your coronary arteries. To perform an angiogram, a guide wire is inserted into the femoral artery of the leg and threaded up into the aorta. A catheter is then inserted along the guide wire. Once in place, a dye that is visible by X-rays (contrast dye) is injected into the bloodstream. Areas of narrowing can then be seen on a video screen and recorded. This procedure is done as part of the cardiac catheterization procedure.