A coronary angiogram is a diagnostic procedure that uses X-ray imaging to look for blockages in your blood vessels or restriction in blood flow going to the heart. Coronary angiograms are part of a general group of procedures known as cardiac catheterizations which can diagnose and treat heart and blood vessel conditions. A coronary angiogram is the most common type of cardiac catheterization procedure.

During the procedure, a type of dye (a contrast) is injected into the blood vessels of your heart. The X-ray machine rapidly takes a series of images, offering a look at your blood vessels. It is minimally invasive but enables doctors to assess the blood vessels for any narrowing or blockage, as well as the strength of the heart, the effectiveness of the heart’s valves, and the pressure within the heart and other parts of the heart. Your doctor can also open clogged heart arteries (angioplasty) during your coronary angiogram, if necessary.

Coronary angiogram, with or without percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), is done primarily with vascular access obtained via the femoral artery (in the groin) or the radial artery (in the wrist).

The femoral artery is a larger vessel and provides a more direct route to the heart. It has become the standard entry site for catheterization procedures. However, there has been a recent increase in transradial catheterization procedures.

The transradial access is recommended as it provides a safer, more comfortable, and more efficient means to cardiac catheterization. There are less chances of bleeding since the radial artery is much smaller and located closer to the skin surface. Patients also find transradial catheterization more comfortable because they are able to sit up, walk, and eat immediately. 

Not all patients can have their coronary angiogram done through radial artery access. To be a candidate, patients must have good blood supply to their hands, through both the radial artery and the ulnar artery (blood vessel in your arm). Talk to your doctor to know more about cardiac catheterizations.