A coronary angiogram is a minimally invasive diagnostic procedure that provides real-time images of the heart’s arteries. It is part of a cardiac catheterization procedure, where a thin, flexible catheter (tube) is inserted into a blood vessel in the arm or groin and guided to the heart. A special contrast dye is injected to highlight the arteries on X-ray images (angiograms), revealing any blockages or narrowing.

This test is crucial for diagnosing and managing coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to heart attacks, chest pain, and other cardiac conditions.