Coronary Angiography (with Cardiac Catheterization Study)
This procedure involves inserting a thin tube (catheter) into your blood vessels to examine your heart’s blood flow and detect blockages or abnormalities in the coronary arteries.
["This test helps doctors assess heart health and plan treatments for conditions like blockages or structural issues."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 18745-0
- Short code
- CATH
- Synonyms
- —
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Not applicable - cardiac catheterization is an invasive procedure performed in a cardiac catheterization laboratory, not a specimen-based test. Associated laboratory specimens collected during or after the procedure include blood samples in serum separator tubes (SST) for cardiac biomarker analysis.
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 55
- Ref high
- 70
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 18 years
- Method
- cardiac-catheterization
- CPT
- 93458
- SNOMED
- 419760006
- Specimen volume
- Not applicable for the procedure itself. Associated blood specimens: 5-10 mL of whole blood collected in serum separator tubes for cardiac biomarkers.
- Stability
- Not applicable for the procedure. Associated serum specimens for cardiac biomarkers: stable for 8 hours at room temperature, 48 hours at 2-8°C, and up to 3 months at -20°C or below for long-term storage.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 1–4 hours
- Order
- routine
What Is Coronary Angiography Used For?
Coronary angiography is primarily used to visualize the coronary arteries—vessels that supply blood to your heart. It helps identify blockages, narrowing, or other issues that may restrict blood flow, which could lead to chest pain, heart attacks, or other heart problems. This procedure can also guide decisions about medical treatments, stents, or bypass surgery.
Preparation Before the Procedure
You’ll likely be asked to fast for several hours before the test, depending on your doctor’s instructions. You may receive a sedative to help you relax, and your blood pressure and heart rate will be monitored closely during the procedure. A nurse or technician will explain how to prepare, including any medications to avoid.
During the Procedure
A small incision is made in your arm, groin, or wrist, and a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel. A special dye is injected through the catheter to make the arteries visible on X-ray images. You may feel pressure or a brief burning sensation as the dye flows through your heart, but it’s usually well-tolerated.
Aftercare and Recovery
After the procedure, you’ll be monitored in a recovery area for a short time to ensure you’re stable. You may experience mild bruising, swelling, or discomfort at the insertion site, which can be managed with pain relievers. Avoid strenuous activity for a few days and follow your doctor’s instructions for follow-up care.
Reference range
Reference values are procedure-specific and not applicable in the conventional sense. Cardiac catheterization evaluates coronary anatomy, ventricular function, valve integrity, and intracardiac pressures. Normal findings include: Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 55-70%, normal coronary artery anatomy without significant stenosis (<50% narrowing), normal intracardiac pressures (right atrial 0-8 mmHg, right ventricular systolic 15-30 mmHg, pulmonary artery systolic 15-30 mmHg, left ventricular end-diastolic 5-12 mmHg, aortic systolic 100-140 mmHg), and no valvular abnormalities.N/A
Patient must provide informed consent. Fasting for 6-8 hours prior to the procedure (except for essential medications with sips of water). Review allergies, particularly to iodinated contrast media. Discontinue anticoagulants as per protocol (warfarin 5 days prior, DOACs 24-48 hours prior). Continue cardiac medications unless otherwise specified by cardiologist. Pre-procedure testing includes ECG, complete blood count, comprehensive metabolic panel, coagulation studies, and pregnancy test if applicable. Assess renal function (serum creatinine, eGFR) prior to contrast administration. Maintain IV access. Patient should void prior to procedure.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Coronary angiography plays a critical role in diagnosing and managing coronary artery disease (CAD), a condition where plaque builds up in the arteries, restricting blood flow. By pinpointing blockages or narrowing, doctors can tailor treatments to prevent complications like heart attacks or strokes. This test also helps evaluate the effectiveness of prior interventions, such as angioplasty or stent placement.
Short name
Coronary Angiogram
Frequently asked questions
How long does coronary angiography take?
Will I feel pain during the procedure?
Can I drive myself home after the procedure?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy