Angiography

Angiography is an invasive test used to diagnose advanced heart disease. For an angiography test, dye is injected into the coronary arteries to find blockages. In the past, women were less likely than men to receive angiography. Dr. Leonard Sternberg, Chief of Cardiology at Women's College Hospital, says: "Hopefully, more recent awareness of the prevalence of heart disease among women and of how women’s symptoms and responses can be different from those of men will avoid any gender bias in treatment.”

Angiography is also known as cardiac catheterization. This test allows your doctor to look at the heart's chambers, valves and blood vessels. A long, thin tube, called a catheter, is placed in a blood vessel and guided to the heart. A "dye" is injected and x-rays showing the dye's path are taken. These x-rays are then examined for blockages in the coronary arteries and to see how well the heart is working.

Some routine blood tests are usually required before the angiography. The day of the procedure, you will be asked to have only a light breakfast and to take most of your heart medications. Medication to help you relax can be given during the test.

The procedure will be performed by a specially trained team consisting of a cardiologist, a nurse and an x-ray technician. The groin or wrist area will be cleaned and anesthetized and a tiny incision will be made. The doctor will then insert the catheter up to the heart using x-ray guidance. A dye will be injected and a feeling of warmth or flushing might occur. The whole procedure lasts about 60 minutes.

After the procedure, the catheter is removed and pressure is applied to the groin or wrist site. You will then go to a recovery area for observation. To prevent any bleeding or excessive bruising at the insertion site, it is important to lie flat with your leg straight for the first four hours following the procedure. The procedure is usually done on an outpatient basis and you can go home the same day.

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