Angiography

Angiography (also called cardiac catheterization or a heart cath) is a common diagnostic test performed to evaluate the condition of heart muscle, valves, and vessels. During this x-ray procedure (also called an angiogram), an interventional radiologist will insert one or more special long, flexible tubes-called angiography catheters-into your heart and coronary arteries. Contrast media (sometimes referred to as dye) is injected through the angiography catheter, while video x-ray images are taken. The dye causes areas where blood flows, including vessels and heart chambers, to temporarily become darker than the surrounding tissue. This enables the radiologist to see how effectively your heart is pumping, and to determine if there are any narrowed blood vessels. Pressure measurements are also taken at the same time.