Coronary artery angiography (CAG)

1. What is Coronary Artery Angiography?

Coronary Artery Angiography is a test that produces detailed images of the arteries supplying blood to the heart, helping identify the location and severity of coronary artery blockages.

2. When is it Recommended?

It may be recommended when there is suspected or known coronary artery disease, particularly in patients with chest pain, abnormal cardiac tests, unexplained breathlessness or suspected significant coronary blockage.

3. What Symptoms May a Patient Notice?

Possible symptoms include chest pain or pressure, breathlessness, unusual tiredness, sweating, dizziness or discomfort spreading to the arm, shoulder, neck or jaw. Some patients may require CAG despite having no symptoms because of abnormal test results.

4. What Does the Treatment Involve?

A thin catheter is introduced through an artery, commonly in the wrist or groin, and guided towards the heart. Contrast dye is injected and X-ray images are taken to visualise the coronary arteries.

5. What Are the Main Treatment Options?

CAG itself is primarily a diagnostic procedure. Depending on the findings, the cardiologist may recommend medicines, Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) such as angioplasty and stenting, or Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG).

6. How Long Does Treatment & Recovery Take?

The procedure commonly takes around 30–60 minutes. Many patients can return home the same day after observation, although an overnight stay may be recommended depending on the patient's condition or if another procedure is performed.

7. What Are the Important Risks or Considerations?

CAG has a high safety profile when performed by experienced cardiac teams. Published studies report major complications in approximately 0.1% or less of diagnostic coronary angiography procedures, although individual risk varies. Possible complications include bleeding, blood-vessel injury, contrast reaction, kidney problems, heart attack or stroke.

8. Why Consider Treatment in India?

India has specialised cardiac centres with advanced catheterisation laboratories and experienced interventional cardiologists, providing coronary angiography along with angioplasty and bypass-surgery facilities when further treatment is required.

9. How Can Medavelle Help?

Medavelle can assist with cardiac report review, cardiologist and hospital coordination, angiography planning, treatment recommendations, international patient arrangements and follow-up coordination.

10. What Should the Patient Do Next?

Share your cardiac reports → Cardiologist evaluation → Coronary assessment → CAG recommendation → Treatment planning in India.