The heart is a beating muscle that continually pumps blood to the rest of the body. The coronary arteries supply the heart itself with the necessary oxygen and nutrients it needs to function effectively.

Over time, fatty deposits called plaque can build up inside the arteries, clogging the passages and reducing the flow of blood to the heart. A coronary angiogram uses contrast dye to determine if the heart is getting an adequate supply of blood.

A catheter delivers the dye to the coronary arteries. A small incision is made in the upper thigh. A guidewire is then inserted into the femoral artery and threaded to the aorta. A catheter is inserted along the guidewire to the aorta.

Once the catheter reaches the aorta, the contrast dye is injected and an x-ray is performed. Areas of healthy blood flow appear light in the x-ray.

Following the angiogram, the catheter and guidewire are withdrawn. If treatment is necessary, your physician may recommend medication therapy or one or more commonly performed procedures, such as balloon angioplasty, stenting, atherectomy, or bypass surgery.