In New Square, Nyack, Chestnut Ridge, New City, Spring Valley, Hillcrest, NY, and Surrounding Areas
When symptoms or test results raise concerns about heart health, cardiologists often need more detailed information to understand what is happening inside the coronary arteries. A coronary angiogram is one of the most effective tools for answering those questions. Rather than being ordered routinely, this test is typically recommended when a clearer picture is needed to guide medical decisions.
At Cardiology of Hudson Valley, coronary angiograms are used to help evaluate blood flow to the heart, identify narrowed or blocked arteries, and determine the most appropriate next steps in care based on each patient’s specific situation.
Why a Cardiologist May Recommend a Coronary Angiogram
A coronary angiogram is typically recommended when a cardiologist needs clearer answers than noninvasive tests can provide. While stress tests, imaging studies, and lab work offer important insight, they cannot always show the precise location or severity of narrowing within the coronary arteries.
When symptoms persist, test results raise concern, or medical history suggests an elevated risk, a coronary angiogram allows a cardiologist to evaluate blood flow directly. This level of detail helps reduce uncertainty and supports more informed decisions about care, whether that involves continued monitoring, medication management, or further intervention.
Rather than being ordered routinely, this test is often used when understanding the full picture of coronary artery health is essential for determining what comes next.
How Coronary Angiogram Results Help Guide Next Steps
One of the most important roles of a coronary angiogram is how the results shape future care. The images obtained during the test help cardiologists understand not just whether blockages are present, but how significant they are and how they may be affecting blood flow to the heart.
In some cases, the angiogram shows that arteries are open or only mildly narrowed, confirming that symptoms may be managed with observation or medical therapy. In other situations, the test identifies more significant blockages that may benefit from additional treatment, such as angioplasty or stent placement.
Just as importantly, the test can help avoid unnecessary procedures by providing clarity when more aggressive treatment is not needed. By offering detailed, real-time information, a coronary angiogram allows cardiologists to tailor care decisions to each patient’s specific condition rather than relying on assumptions.
What the Procedure Is Like
A coronary angiogram is a minimally invasive test and is not considered surgery. Patients are given medication to help them relax, but they remain awake during the procedure. A local anesthetic is used to numb the area where a thin catheter is placed, most often in the arm or groin.
Once the catheter is guided to the heart, contrast dye is introduced so imaging can capture how blood moves through the coronary arteries. This allows the cardiologist to identify areas of narrowing or blockage with precision. In some cases, if a significant issue is found and it is appropriate to do so, treatment may be performed during the same procedure.
The focus throughout the test is on patient comfort, safety, and obtaining the information needed to guide care decisions.
Recovery and What Happens After the Test
Because a coronary angiogram is minimally invasive, many patients are able to return home the same day after a short period of monitoring. Recovery instructions are provided to support healing at the catheter insertion site and to help patients know what to expect in the hours and days following the procedure.
After the test, the cardiologist reviews the results and discusses what they mean in the context of the patient’s symptoms, medical history, and overall heart health. For some patients, the angiogram offers reassurance and confirmation that no further treatment is needed at that time. For others, it provides clarity that helps guide additional care.
This discussion is an important part of the process, helping patients understand both their current heart health and the reasoning behind recommended next steps.
At Cardiology of Hudson Valley, our board-certified cardiologist works closely with patients throughout New Square, Nyack, Chestnut Ridge, New City, Spring Valley, Hillcrest, NY, and the surrounding areas to provide clear answers and thoughtful care. If you have questions about coronary angiograms or your heart health, contact our office to schedule an appointment.