This information is approved and/or reviewed by U-M Health System providers but it is not a tool for self-diagnosis or a substitute for medical treatment. You should speak to your physician or make an appointment to be seen if you have questions or concerns about this information or your medical condition.
Exención de responsabilidad en Español | Complete disclaimer
UMHS
Related Sites:
Cardiac Catheterization and Intervention Services
University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center
Coronary Angiography
Coronary angiography is an X-ray examination of the blood vessels or chambers of the heart performed through cardiac catheterization to pinpoint possible problems in heart arteries.
A very small tube (catheter) is inserted into a blood vessel through the groin or arm. The tip of the tube is positioned either in the heart or at the beginning of the arteries supplying the heart, and a special fluid called a contrast medium or dye is injected. This fluid is visible by X-ray and the pictures obtained are called angiograms.
Angiograms show how the blood circulates in the arteries, supplying blood to the heart. In particular, this procedure provides important information about the function of the heart’s left ventricle, and also identifies blocked or narrowed coronary arteries. This diagnostic procedure also helps determine which arteries need immediate surgery, which blockages may eventually need surgery, and which blockages can be treated with diet, exercise and medicine.