[Xplain]

Sometimes people have serious problems with their heart and the arteries that go into it.
An angiogram helps doctors look at the blood vessels of the heart. If needed, an angioplasty can also be done. An angioplasty opens arteries that are too narrow for adequate blood flow.
If your doctor recommends a coronary angiogram and a possible angioplasty, the decision whether or not to have the procedure is also yours.

Anatomy

The heart is the most essential muscle in the body. Its main function is to pump the blood to the lungs and to the rest of the body. Since the heart is living tissue, it needs blood like the rest of the body.
The heart pumps blood to itself through many blood vessels that go directly to the heart muscle.
These are known as coronary arteries.



Symptoms and Their Causes

Cholesterol deposits accumulate in the coronary arteries forming a “plaque” that narrows the artery. Narrowed arteries do not let enough blood go through. This causes blood flow to decrease, which can cause heart attacks.
If cholesterol deposits reduce blood flow enough, the heart will not be able to keep up with exertion. If the condition worsens or the coronary arteries become blocked, the heart can be damaged.
An angiogram is a test that helps doctors see any plaque in the coronary arteries and helps detect any narrowing or blockage. Other tests such as EKGs or heart tracings and special CAT scans can cause the doctor to suspect blockage in the coronary arteries. However, these tests do not show the blood vessels.
A coronary angiogram is the only reliable test that shows the blood vessels of the heart.