The test utilises x-rays to identify significant blockages in coronary arteries. These blockages can cause symptoms and possibly a heart attack.

The Cardiac Catheter Laboratory at Port Macquarie Base Hospital provides this service to patients locally. The procedure is usually a day stay procedure, performed in hospital.

It involves a small tube (catheter) being inserted into the artery in the wrist or groin. The catheter is moved through the blood vessels until it reaches the heart. Radiographic contrast dye is then injected and x-ray images are obtained. The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia with sedation.

A coronary angiogram can determine whether coronary stenting or coronary artery bypass surgery is needed.