A precise, minimally invasive way to see exactly what's happening inside your heart's arteries — performed by Dr. Sarita Rao, Director of the Cath Lab at Apollo Hospitals, Indore.
| What it is | Catheter-based diagnostic imaging of the coronary arteries using contrast dye and X-ray |
| Used to detect | Blockages, narrowing, or structural abnormalities in the arteries supplying the heart |
| Duration | 20–45 minutes, depending on complexity |
| Anaesthesia | Local, at the wrist, arm, or groin insertion site |
| Recovery | Same-day discharge in most cases, especially with radial (wrist) access |
| Performed by | Dr. Sarita Rao, Director, Cath Lab, Apollo Hospitals, Indore |
Coronary angiography is an advanced diagnostic procedure used to evaluate blood flow within heart arteries and identify blockages or narrowing. A thin catheter is inserted through the wrist, arm, or groin under local anaesthesia, and a contrast dye is injected to make the coronary arteries visible on imaging.
Your cardiologist may recommend coronary angiography if you experience symptoms or test results suggesting reduced blood flow to the heart.
Evaluates blood flow within the coronary arteries supplying the heart muscle.
Uses CT scanning to visualise blood vessels and detect blockages — often used for initial screening.
Examines blood flow in arteries outside the heart, including the legs, arms, and neck vessels.
Performed through the wrist artery, resulting in fewer bleeding complications and faster recovery.
Patients usually lie on their backs on a table. An IV is inserted for sedation and fluids, and local anaesthesia is administered to minimise discomfort.
A small needle punctures the vessel, a thin catheter is inserted through an artery in the wrist, arm, or groin, and guided toward the heart arteries.
A specialised contrast dye is injected into the coronary arteries to make blood flow visible during imaging. You might feel a warm, flushing sensation.
Advanced imaging technology captures detailed images of the heart arteries to identify narrowing, blockages, or structural abnormalities.
The catheter is removed, and pressure is applied at the access site to stop bleeding.
Based on the findings, Dr. Sarita Rao recommends the most appropriate treatment approach for optimal heart health.
The procedure is usually completed within a short duration, and most patients recover quickly.
Coronary angiography is considered a safe and commonly performed cardiac diagnostic procedure when carried out by experienced specialists.
Dr. Sarita Rao follows advanced safety protocols and careful patient monitoring throughout the procedure.
Recovery is generally quick, especially in radial angiography procedures performed through the wrist.
Dr. Sarita Rao is one of the leading interventional cardiologists in Indore, with over 25 years of experience in advanced cardiac diagnostics and minimally invasive heart procedures.
The cost of angiography may vary depending on several medical and procedural factors, including:
Angiography is generally not painful. Local anaesthesia is used during the procedure, so you're awake but comfortable, and most patients experience only mild pressure or temporary discomfort.
The procedure usually takes around 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the complexity of the evaluation.
Yes. Angiography is commonly performed in elderly patients under careful monitoring and appropriate medical supervision.
Yes. Coronary angiography is one of the most accurate diagnostic methods for identifying narrowing or blockage in the heart's arteries.
Angiography is a diagnostic procedure used to identify blockages, while angioplasty is a treatment procedure used to open blocked arteries.
Many patients can return home the same day after a short observation period, depending on their medical condition and the type of procedure performed.
If you are experiencing chest pain, breathlessness, abnormal cardiac test results, or symptoms of heart disease, consult Dr. Sarita Rao for advanced coronary angiography and expert heart care in Indore.