Coronary Angiogram
Coronary Angiogram
(also called Coronary or Cardiac Catheterization)
Cardiac catheterization involves the insertion of a thin tube (catheter) into a blood vessel to evaluate your heart’s blood flow and assess any blockages. Here’s what the procedure entails:
- You will be admitted as a day patient to the Sydney Adventist Hospital or Northern Beaches Hospital under one of the cardiologists at Peninsula Cardiology.
- You will receive local anesthesia to numb the area where the catheter will be inserted, typically in your wrist. The catheter will be carefully threaded through the blood vessels to reach your heart.
- Contrast dye may be injected through the catheter to enhance the visualization of blood flow on X-ray images. The test is performed in a specialized cardiac catheterization laboratory and usually takes 1 hour.
- Cardiac catheterization is an invasive procedure, and your healthcare provider will discuss any potential risks or complications beforehand.
It's important to note that the specific details of each test may vary based on individual circumstances. Your healthcare provider will provide you with instructions and any necessary preparations before each test.
