A coronary angiogram (or arteriogram) is an x-ray of the arteries located on the surface of the heart (the coronary arteries). This test helps the physician to see if any of the arteries are blocked, usually by fatty plaque. If so, the patient may be diagnosed with coronary artery disease (CAD).

A coronary angiogram is often conducted as part of cardiac catheterization, along with other catheter-based tests. These procedures may include measuring blood pressure, obtaining samples for diagnostic testing and a left ventriculogram.

During an angiogram, the physician injects a special dye (contrast medium) into the coronary arteries. To do that, the physician inserts a thin tube (catheter) through a blood vessel, usually in the upper thigh, and guides it all the way up to the heart. Once the catheter is in place, the physician can inject the dye through the catheter and into the coronary arteries and an x-ray can be taken.

Although the physician typically numbs the area for the catheter insertion, the patient is awake for the entire procedure. The patient receives a mild sedative before the procedure and does not ordinarily feel the movement of the catheter within the blood vessels.

Depending on what the angiogram shows, the physician may recommend treatments such as medication, a catheter-based procedure (e.g., balloon angioplasty, coronary stenting) or surgery (e.g., bypass surgery).