What is a coronary angiogram?

• A. Where contrast is injected into the coronary arteries
• B. A test that measures LV ejection fraction
• C. A scan to evaluate lung function
• D. A test to measure brain perfusion

Answer: (A)

A coronary angiogram is an invasive imaging study in which a catheter is guided to the coronary arteries and a contrast dye is injected. Under X-ray fluoroscopy, the dye outlines the arteries so you can see the inside of the vessels and detect any narrowings or blockages. This view of the coronary lumen helps diagnose coronary artery disease and guides treatments like balloon angioplasty or stent placement. It’s different from tests that measure how well the heart pumps left ventricular blood (usually done with echocardiography or ventriculography) and from scans used to assess lung function or brain perfusion.