You are given a mild sedative prior to the test. An intravenous line is started in your arm to allow for the administration of medication during the procedure. After cleansing and numbing the site, a�cardiologist makes a small cut in your arm or groin. A catheter is inserted into an artery, then carefully threaded into your heart using x-rays for guidance. When the catheter is in place, dye is injected to view the left heart, the blood vessels that supply the heart (the coronary arteries), or both.

Food�is restricted for 6�- 8 hours before the test. The procedure takes place in the hospital. Sometimes, admission the night before the test is required. Otherwise, admission as an outpatient or inpatient on the morning of the procedure is required.

A health care provider will explain the procedure and its risks. You must sign a consent form for the procedure. You will be given a mild sedative 1/2 hour before the procedure. The procedure may last from 1 to several hours. You will wear hospital clothing.

The procedure takes place in a radiology department or cardiac diagnostic laboratory. You will be given sedation to relax you prior to the procedure, but you will be awake and able to follow instructions during the test. You will remain on a stretcher throughout the entire test.

You are given local anesthesia when the catheter is inserted, and the only sensation is one of pressure at the site. Occasionally, a flushing sensation occurs after the dye is injected.

Left heart angiography is�used to spot abnormalities in blood flow through the left side of the heart, abnormalities of the left�heart valves, or�heart-related obstructions.

Normal blood flow through the left side of the heart, plus normal volumes and pressures are the expected result.

An abnormal result may indicate a problem with the left side of the heart or the heart valves. Coronary angiography (x-ray images of heart arteries) may be needed when blockage of the coronary arteries is suspected.

Risks of the procedure include abnormal heartbeats (arrhythmias), cardiac tamponade, artery damage, low blood pressure, infection, embolism from blood clots at the tip of the catheter, allergic reaction to dye, hemorrhage, stroke, and heart attack.

Right heart catheterization may be combined with this procedure.