Over time, fatty deposits called plaque can build up inside
the arteries, clogging the passages and reducing the flow
of blood to the heart. A coronary angiogram uses contrast
dye to determine if the heart is getting an adequate supply
of blood.
A catheter delivers the dye to the coronary arteries. A small
incision is made in the upper thigh. A guidewire is then inserted
into the femoral artery and threaded to the aorta. A catheter
is inserted along the guidewire to the aorta.
Once the catheter reaches the aorta, the contrast dye is
injected and an x-ray is performed. Areas of healthy blood
flow appear light in the x-ray.
Following the angiogram, the catheter and guidewire are withdrawn.
If treatment is necessary, your physician may recommend medication
therapy or one or more commonly performed procedures, such
as balloon angioplasty, stenting, atherectomy, or bypass surgery.
