Coronary Angiography (with contrast dye evaluation)
This procedure involves injecting a special dye into your arteries to visualize blood flow and identify blockages or narrowing in your coronary arteries using X-ray imaging.
["Helps doctors assess heart artery health and plan treatments like angioplasty or bypass surgery."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 8809-6
- Short code
- LV EF Angiogram est
- Synonyms
- LV EF Angiogram est
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- angiogram-visual-estima
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What to Expect Before the Procedure
You’ll likely be given a contrast dye through an IV to make your arteries visible on X-ray. A catheter is inserted into a blood vessel (usually in your arm or groin), and dye is pushed through your coronary arteries. You may feel brief pressure or warmth where the catheter is placed. Some patients experience mild allergic reactions to the dye, but serious reactions are rare.
During the Procedure
The procedure takes about 30–60 minutes. You’ll lie on your back while the doctor guides the catheter through your blood vessels. The X-ray images show how well blood flows through your coronary arteries. If blockages are found, a doctor may insert a balloon or stent to open the artery during the same procedure.
Aftercare and Recovery
After the procedure, you’ll rest in a recovery area for a short time. You may have a bandage or dressing at the catheter insertion site. Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 24–48 hours. Follow your doctor’s instructions for monitoring any bruising, bleeding, or signs of infection.
Why This Test Is Done
Doctors order a coronary angiogram to diagnose conditions like coronary artery disease, evaluate heart attack risk, or plan treatments for blocked arteries. It’s also used before heart surgery to check artery health.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: This test provides critical visual evidence of coronary artery blockages or narrowing, guiding decisions for interventions like angioplasty, stent placement, or bypass surgery. It helps assess risk for future heart events and informs long-term treatment plans.
Short name
Coronary Angiogram
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I feel pain during the procedure?
How long does it take to recover from a coronary angiogram?
Can I eat or drink before this 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