Once the catheter is in place, the contrast dye is injected through it to help the doctor look at the blockage on the angiogram. After the injection of dye the patient may feel a warm flush spreading throughout the body.

X-ray images are taken while the dye flows through the artery, and the doctor can monitor the images on a screen. Sometimes the X-rays are taken so rapidly that they form a "movie" of the dye's movement. The X-rays show where the artery is blocked or narrowed and the extent of the blockage. If the angiogram doesn't reveal any blockages, the catheter is removed.

An angiogram takes 30-60 minutes and may be performed as an outpatient procedure.

More on this topic

When Arteries Become Blocked (VIDEO)
Watch an Angioplasty Procedure (VIDEO)
Blood Supply to the Heart
Atherosclerosis & Your Heart
Detecting Blockages
Angiogram Imaging
How Angioplasty Works
Angioplasty Risks & Complications
Preventing an Angioplasty
3D Heart

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