helicopter paramedic photo
Minneapolis Heart Institute Logo helicopter paramedic photo computer monitors showing test results photo provider taking blood pressure photo
Home MHI Physicians Information for Patients Programs Information for Physicians Publications About MHI
Coronary Angiograph (and Heart Catheterizations)

Your physician has determined the need to directly evaluate the blood flow within the arteries to your heart and the function of your heart muscle. This can be accomplished by performing a test known as a coronary angiogram. Angiography differs from other diagnostic cardiac tests (i.e. echocardiograms and stress tests) because it is an invasive procedure, which means that the body is entered through a small puncture in the skin. In order to obtain special x-ray pictures known as angiograms, your cardiologist must first perform a cardiac catheterization. The catheterization procedure is done in a specialized area of the hospital called the CV Lab or “Cath” Lab. A catheter (a long, thin, flexible tube) is inserted into the major blood vessel in your groin (less commonly the arm is used for catheterization) and carefully steered through the vessel to your heart. A contrast solution (or dye) is then injected through the catheter into your heart’s arteries. This liquid dye allows your physician to examine the arteries of your heart on a x-ray picture known as an angiogram. Your cardiologist can study this angiogram to analyze blood vessels that may be blocked or narrowed, and assess your need for further cardiovascular treatment. In other words, a coronary angiogram will provide information for your physician to make a diagnosis and, if needed, an interventional cardiac procedure may be performed to treat the problem. (See "Other Procedures for this Sub-Specialty" near the bottom of this page for other interventional procedures.)

The Cardiovascular Laboratory staff at Abbott-Northwestern Hospital will answer any further questions you or your family may have about this procedure.

Before the Procedure
Well in advance of your procedure, make sure your primary care provider is aware of any bleeding problems you may have, or if you are taking coumadin or other blood thinning medication. You should also tell your primary doctor if you are allergic to seafood or iodine, or if you have a history of allergic reaction to dye used in previous procedures. A change may be required in the diabetic patient’s insulin or pill regimen on the morning of the procedure. Prior to the day of the procedure, diabetics should discuss any possible changes with their physicians. Patients with a history of kidney problems will occasionally require special preparation. Your physician will determine your preparation needs based on the nature and severity of your kidney problem. Your primary doctor will likely request some standard tests, such as an electrocardiogram, chest x-ray or routine blood tests, that should be completed at your community clinic or hospital prior to your procedure at MHI. The results of these tests are sent to Minneapolis Heart Institute in preparation for your coronary angiogram.

You will be asked to not eat or drink anything after midnight on the evening prior to your procedure. Routine medications should be taken the morning of your procedure with small sips of water, unless otherwise instructed by your physician. When you get to the Abbott Northwestern Hospital campus, you should report to the Day Angiogram admitting desk in the Piper Building lobby (on the northeast corner of the campus, on the corner of 26th Street and 10th Avenue; Choose from the following links to view maps and directions or a campus guide.) You will then be taken to the Cardiovascular Outpatient Care Unit to prepare for the procedure. In preparation for your procedure, your catheter insertion site will be shaved, an IV (intravenous line) will be started, blood work will be taken (if appropriate), a 12-lead ECG will be obtained and necessary forms will be completed. If you had not seen a Minneapolis Heart Institute cardiologist prior to the day of your procedure, one will see you to fully explain the procedure and he or she will follow you through your hospital stay. *Please note: the physician overseeing your care may not be the physician actually performing the procedure. During the procedure, your family may wait comfortably in a special area in the day angiogram unit. After the preparation phase, your family may come back and stay with you until you are taken for your procedure. When the procedure room is ready, you will be transported to the lower level of Abbott-Northwestern Hospital where the CV lab is located. Your family may take a break (i.e. breakfast, lunch) and return to the same family room as before.
During the Procedure
During the procedure, you will receive fluids and medication (to help you relax) through an IV (intravenous) line. You will not be anesthetized (“put to sleep”) during the catheterization procedure. A local anesthetic will be injected to numb the site where the catheter will be inserted, so you should feel little to no pain. (Generally the major blood vessel in your groin is used for cardiac catheterization, but less commonly the arm may be used.) A short tube known as a sheath will be placed into the artery at the insertion site, through which a longer catheter will be introduced into the blood vessel. Your cardiologist will carefully maneuver the catheter through the blood vessel to your heart. You will not be able to feel the catheter as it moves through the arteries, but your doctor will be able to monitor the catheter’s progress on a digital screen next to your bed. Once the catheter reaches your heart, a liquid dye is injected through the catheter. This dye is a contrast fluid that allows your doctor to view your heart and coronary arteries on a special x-ray picture known as an angiogram. The x-ray tube will move around you while we take pictures in several different views. You may be asked to hold your breath for five to ten seconds while some of the pictures are being taken, and you may also be asked to cough a few times after the dye has been injected. Once the angiogram is complete, the physician will review the images and share the findings with you. If a problem is detected your cardiologist may suggest available interventional treatment options or cardiovascular surgery.
After the Procedure
Following your angiogram you will likely be restricted to bed-rest for a period of three to four hours. This will allow time for your catheter entry site to heal closed. Be sure to inform your team of cardiovascular care specialists if you experience any pain or discomfort. Your family is welcome to stay with you in your room after your return from the procedure. If you are to be discharged that day, your cardiologist will visit with you and your family in the Day Angiogram unit after the test to discuss the results. If you are an inpatient, your doctors will study your angiogram and review the results with you in the hospital later that day, or possibly the next morning.
Other Information

Other procedures for this sub-specialty

Locations
Specializing Cardiologists
 Quick Finder
Scheduling an Appointment
Learn how to make an appointment at MHI™.

Make An Appointment - Learn More