Coronary angiography (coronarography) is used to visualize the arteries that supply the heart. There is a condition called atherosclerosis which causes narrowing of the coronary arteries by creating atherosclerotic plaques on the artery’s inner wall. Arterial narrowing decreases the blood flow in coronary arteries and that is manifested with chest pain – a condition called angina pectoris.

Pain is usually provoked by physical activity. Sometimes, on the place of narrowing, a thrombus can be created and blood flow will be completely stopped – a condition called heart attack (myocardial infarct). You can never know when angina pectoris will be transformed into a heart attack. There is a condition called un-stabile angina pectoris where chest pain is present even when resting and can be considered as a pre-infarct condition.


Coronarography is requested to visualize the place of narrowing and to estimate the blood flow. If narrowing is detected, it can be treated with angioplasty or by inserting a stent. A special catheter is inserted through the femoral artery and moved up to the place where coronary arteries come out from the aorta. Dye is injected into the opening of both coronary arteries. Movement of the catheter and dye flow is monitored by using an X-ray image. No general anesthesia is necessary.