Why has my doctor recommended an angiogram?

Your doctor may recommend an angiogram if you have chest pain, abnormal stress test results, unexplained breathlessness, or have had a heart attack. It is the gold standard test to accurately map your coronary arteries and decide whether you need medication, angioplasty, or bypass surgery.

Is an angiogram painful?

The procedure itself is not painful. You will receive local anaesthesia at the entry site, which causes a brief sting. You may feel a warm flush when the dye is injected — this is completely normal and passes within seconds. Most patients find the procedure much more comfortable than they expected.

How long does an angiogram take?

The procedure itself usually takes 20 to 40 minutes. Including preparation and recovery time, plan to spend about 4 to 6 hours at the hospital on the day of the procedure.

Will I be awake during the angiogram?

Yes, you will be awake but relaxed. A mild sedative may be given to keep you calm and comfortable. You can speak to the team throughout. General anaesthesia is not required for a routine coronary angiogram.

What happens immediately after the angiogram?

After the procedure, you will rest in a recovery area for 2 to 4 hours. Your cardiologist will discuss the results with you and your family the same day and explain the next steps.

Is an angiogram safe?

Coronary angiogram is a very safe, well-established procedure. Serious complications are rare, occurring in less than 0.1% of cases. Minor side effects such as bruising at the entry site or a temporary reaction to the contrast dye can occur but are easily managed.

Can angioplasty be done during the same session as an angiogram?

Yes, in many cases. If the angiogram reveals a significant blockage and the clinical situation is appropriate, Dr. Bhishma Chowdary may proceed directly to angioplasty in the same sitting — called an ad-hoc procedure. This avoids a second hospital visit and is decided based on your angiogram findings and discussion with you.

Coronary Angiogram in Hyderabad | Dr. Bhishma Chowdary

Q: What is a coronary angiogram?

A coronary angiogram is a diagnostic X-ray test that shows the inside of your heart arteries. A special dye (contrast) is injected through a thin tube into your coronary arteries, making them visible on X-ray. This helps your cardiologist identify blockages, narrowings, or abnormalities and plan the right treatment.

Q: Do I need to fast before an angiogram?

Yes. You will be asked to fast — nothing to eat or drink — for at least 4 to 6 hours before the procedure. Your cardiologist will give you specific instructions, including which of your regular medications to take or skip on the morning of the procedure.

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Dr Bhishma Chowdary cardiologist in Hyderabad

Coronary Angiogram in Hyderabad

A coronary angiogram is the most accurate test available to diagnose blockages in the arteries that supply blood to your heart. At AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, Dr. Bhishma Chowdary performs coronary angiography using state-of-the-art catheterisation laboratory equipment, giving you a precise picture of your heart health and a clear plan for treatment.

At a Glance

Procedure type	Diagnostic (minimally invasive)
Duration	20 to 40 minutes
Anaesthesia	Local anaesthesia + mild sedation (awake throughout)
Access site	Wrist (radial) or groin (femoral)
Hospital stay	Same-day / overnight
Recovery	Resume normal activities within 24–48 hours
Performed by	Dr. Bhishma Chowdary, DM Cardiology, AIG Hospitals Hyderabad
Appointment	+91-9000352998

What is a coronary angiogram?

Your heart muscle receives its blood supply through a network of three major coronary arteries. When these arteries narrow or block — due to cholesterol plaque, calcium, or blood clots — blood flow to the heart muscle is reduced, causing symptoms like chest pain, breathlessness, or in severe cases, a heart attack.

A coronary angiogram (also called coronary angiography or cardiac catheterisation) maps the inside of these arteries in real time. A contrast dye visible on X-ray is injected directly into the coronary arteries through a thin catheter, revealing the exact location, length, and severity of any blockage. No other test gives this level of detail.

Why it matters

An angiogram is the gold standard diagnostic test for coronary artery disease — giving Dr. Bhishma Chowdary the precise information needed to decide the best treatment: medication alone, angioplasty and stenting, or bypass surgery.

Who needs a coronary angiogram?

Dr. Bhishma Chowdary may recommend a coronary angiogram if you have one or more of the following:

Chest pain (angina) that occurs with exertion or at rest
Abnormal results on a stress test (treadmill test or stress echo)
Unexplained breathlessness, especially on exertion
Suspected or confirmed heart attack (STEMI or NSTEMI)
Heart failure with unknown cause
Abnormal ECG or echocardiogram findings suggesting reduced blood flow
Prior to major non-cardiac surgery in patients with known or suspected heart disease
Aortic valve disease being evaluated for TAVR

You do not need a referral to consult Dr. Bhishma Chowdary. You can book directly via the appointment link or by calling +91-9000352998.

How is a coronary angiogram performed?

The procedure is carried out in a dedicated cardiac catheterisation laboratory (cath lab) at AIG Hospitals, Gachibowli. Here is exactly what to expect, step by step:

Before the procedure

You will be asked to fast — nothing to eat or drink — for 4 to 6 hours beforehand.
Blood tests, ECG, and a review of your current medications are done on admission.
Your cardiologist will advise which medications to continue and which to hold on the day.
An intravenous (IV) line will be placed in your arm to give fluids and medications during the procedure.

During the procedure

You will lie on the cath lab table. A mild sedative is given to keep you relaxed — you will be awake and able to communicate throughout.
The entry site — most commonly the wrist (radial approach) — is cleaned and numbed with local anaesthesia.
A thin, flexible tube (catheter) is inserted through a small puncture and guided through the artery to the heart under live X-ray guidance.
Contrast dye is injected through the catheter into each coronary artery in turn. You may feel a brief warm flush as the dye is injected — this is completely normal and passes within seconds.
X-ray images (angiograms) are captured in real time, showing the inside of the coronary arteries from multiple angles.
Dr. Bhishma Chowdary reviews the images live and can assess whether further action — such as angioplasty — is needed in the same sitting.
The catheter is removed and the entry site is closed with a compression band (for wrist access) or a closure device (for groin access).

After the procedure

You will rest in a monitored recovery area for 2 to 4 hours.
Dr. Bhishma Chowdary will discuss your results with you and your family on the same day.
Most patients are discharged the same day or the following morning.
Normal activities can usually resume within 24 to 48 hours.

Can angioplasty be done in the same sitting?

Yes — in many cases. If the angiogram reveals a significant blockage and the clinical situation is appropriate, Dr. Bhishma Chowdary may proceed directly to coronary angioplasty (ad-hoc PCI) in the same procedure. This avoids a second hospital visit and is discussed and agreed with you before proceeding.

Advanced intravascular imaging: beyond the standard angiogram

A standard angiogram shows the outline of the artery but cannot always reveal the composition of the plaque or the true extent of narrowing. At AIG Hospitals, Dr. Bhishma Chowdary uses advanced intravascular imaging during complex cases to get a more detailed picture from inside the artery:

IVUS (Intravascular Ultrasound)	Ultrasound probe inside the artery showing plaque burden, calcification, and vessel dimensions. Essential for optimising stent sizing and placement.
OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography)	High-resolution light-based imaging giving detailed cross-sectional views of the artery wall — 10x more detailed than IVUS. Used in complex stenting cases.
FFR / RFR / IFR (Coronary Physiology)	Pressure wire measurements to assess whether a borderline blockage is actually restricting blood flow enough to warrant stenting. Avoids unnecessary procedures.

Preparing for your coronary angiogram

Before the day

Inform your cardiologist of all medications you are currently taking, including blood thinners, diabetes medications, and kidney medications.
If you are taking metformin for diabetes, it may need to be stopped 48 hours before the procedure due to the contrast dye.
If you have a known allergy to contrast dye or iodine, inform your cardiologist in advance — pre-medication can be given.
Arrange for someone to drive you home, as you will not be allowed to drive after sedation.

On the day

Fast for 4 to 6 hours — no food or drink (small sips of water for essential medications are usually permitted).
Take your regular morning medications unless specifically told to skip any.
Wear comfortable clothing. You will be given a hospital gown for the procedure.
Leave jewellery and valuables at home.

Safety and risks

Coronary angiography is one of the most commonly performed cardiac procedures worldwide, with an excellent safety record. At AIG Hospitals, Dr. Bhishma Chowdary has performed over 1,000 coronary procedures with rigorous safety protocols in place.

Serious complications	Less than 0.1% — including heart attack, stroke, or major vessel injury. Extremely rare in planned elective procedures.
Minor complications	Bruising at the entry site (common, resolves in 1–2 weeks). Temporary contrast dye reaction (itching, rash — managed in hospital).
Contrast allergy	Rare. Pre-medication with antihistamines and steroids given if prior allergy is known.
Kidney effects	Contrast dye can temporarily affect kidney function. Adequate hydration before and after the procedure minimises this risk.
Wrist vs groin access	Radial (wrist) access carries lower bleeding risk and allows you to sit up sooner. Dr. Bhishma Chowdary prefers radial access as the default approach.

Frequently asked questions

Is the procedure painful?

No. The procedure itself is not painful. The local anaesthetic at the entry site causes a brief sting. The only sensation during the procedure is a warm flush lasting a few seconds when the contrast dye is injected — most patients describe it as much more comfortable than expected.

How will I receive my results?

Dr. Bhishma Chowdary reviews the angiogram images live in the cath lab. Results are discussed with you and your family on the same day — immediately after the procedure or once you are in the recovery area. You will leave with a clear understanding of your findings and the recommended next steps.

Will I be awake?

Yes. You remain awake throughout the procedure, which means you can communicate with the team. A mild sedative keeps you comfortable and relaxed. General anaesthesia is not required for a routine coronary angiogram.

How long will I be in hospital?

Most patients spend 4 to 6 hours at the hospital on the day of the procedure — including preparation, the procedure itself (20 to 40 minutes), and recovery. Overnight admission is occasionally required depending on findings or clinical condition.

What happens if a blockage is found?

Depending on the severity and location of any blockage, Dr. Bhishma Chowdary will recommend one of three paths: (1) optimise medications alone for milder blockages, (2) proceed to coronary angioplasty and stenting — sometimes in the same sitting, or (3) refer for bypass surgery for complex multi-vessel disease. You will be fully involved in this decision.

Is fasting strictly required?

Yes — fasting for 4 to 6 hours is a safety requirement in case sedation or urgent intervention is needed. However, you may take small sips of water with essential medications. Your cardiologist will give you specific instructions at your pre-procedure consultation.

Can I drive home after the procedure?

No. You will not be permitted to drive after receiving sedation. Please arrange for a family member or friend to collect you. Public transport alone is not advisable on the day of the procedure.

How soon can I return to work?

Most patients with desk jobs can return to work the day after the procedure. Those with physically demanding roles may need 2 to 3 days of rest. Your cardiologist will advise based on your specific findings and physical requirements.

What if I am on blood thinners (anticoagulants)?

This needs specific planning. Warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban, and other anticoagulants affect bleeding risk and may need to be paused before the procedure. Always inform Dr. Bhishma Chowdary of all medications at your pre-procedure consultation — do not stop any blood thinner without medical advice.

Why choose Dr. Bhishma Chowdary at AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad?

DM Cardiology from Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi — one of India's premier cardiac training institutions
13+ years of experience in interventional cardiology with over 1,000 coronary procedures performed
Expertise in advanced imaging: IVUS, OCT, FFR, RFR, IFR — used routinely for complex and borderline cases
Dedicated hybrid cardiac catheterisation laboratory at AIG Hospitals, Gachibowli — equipped with the latest imaging and intervention technology
Radial (wrist) access preferred — lower complication risk and faster recovery
Same-day results and direct discussion with the treating cardiologist — no waiting for a separate results appointment
Presentations at SCAI SHOCK, TCTAP, India Live, and other international cardiology conferences
Fluent consultations in English, Hindi, and Telugu

Book a coronary angiogram consultation

If you or a family member has been advised to have a coronary angiogram — or if you are experiencing chest pain, breathlessness, or unexplained cardiac symptoms — contact Dr. Bhishma Chowdary's clinic at AIG Hospitals, Gachibowli, Hyderabad.

Call: +91-9000352998

Email: bhishmachowdary@gmail.com

Location: AIG Hospitals, Gachibowli, Hyderabad — 500032

Clinic hours: Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Emergency Line: +91-9000352998

mon - Sat:10:00 - am 4:00pm

Coronary Angiogram
in Hyderabad