Diagnostic Procedures — Cardiac & Vascular Lab

Overview
Our Cardiac & Vascular Diagnostic Lab offers state-of-the-art angiographic studies to precisely visualise blood vessels supplying the heart, brain, kidneys and limbs. These minimally invasive procedures help diagnose blockages, malformations, and other vascular conditions so your care team can recommend the safest, most effective treatment.

What we do

We perform a full range of diagnostic angiograms, each tailored to the vessel territory and clinical question:

Coronary Angiogram

A focused X-ray study of the coronary arteries to detect narrowing (stenosis), occlusions, or abnormal anatomy. It’s the gold standard for evaluating chest pain, suspected ischemia, and preoperative cardiac assessment.

Carotid Angiogram

Imaging of the carotid arteries in the neck to identify plaques or narrowing that could raise stroke risk. Useful when non-invasive tests are inconclusive or when planning interventional procedures.

Renal Angiogram

Examines blood flow to the kidneys to detect renal artery stenosis, aneurysms, or vascular malformations that can affect blood pressure and renal function.

Peripheral Angiogram

Visualises arteries of the arms and legs to locate blockages that cause claudication, non-healing wounds, or critical limb ischaemia. Helps plan endovascular or surgical revascularisation.

Who should consider these tests?

  • Persistent chest pain, shortness of breath, or suspected heart attack

  • Transient ischaemic attacks, unexplained neurologic symptoms, or high stroke risk

  • Resistant high blood pressure or unexplained decline in kidney function

  • Leg pain on walking, slow-healing ulcers, or suspected peripheral artery disease

  • Abnormal results from ECG, stress testing, CT angiography, or duplex ultrasound

How the procedure works (simple step-by-step)

  1. Pre-procedure assessment: Review of medical history, medications, allergies, and blood tests.

  2. Preparation: You may be advised to fast for a few hours and withhold certain medications (e.g., blood thinners) — your physician will instruct you.

  3. Local anaesthesia & access: A small puncture is made (commonly at the wrist or groin) under local anaesthesia. A thin catheter is advanced to the vessel of interest.

  4. Contrast injection & imaging: A safe contrast dye is injected while X-ray images (angiograms) are recorded to show blood flow and blockages.

  5. Recovery: Catheter removal and short monitoring period. Most diagnostic angiograms are same-day procedures; some patients may be observed overnight depending on their condition.

Preparation & safety

  • Bring a list of current medications and allergies.

  • Blood tests may be required beforehand to check clotting and kidney function.

  • Hydration is encouraged before and after the procedure to help clear contrast dye (unless otherwise instructed).

  • Inform us if you are pregnant or suspect pregnancy.

  • Modern angiography is safe; risks include bleeding at the access site, allergic reaction to contrast, infection, kidney stress in at-risk patients, and rarely vascular injury or stroke. We take steps to minimise risks and will discuss them with you.

What to expect after the test

  • Mild bruising or soreness at the puncture site for 24–48 hours.

  • Avoid heavy lifting for a short period as advised.

  • Results are reviewed by your cardiologist/vascular specialist, who will discuss findings and next steps — lifestyle change, medicines, or an interventional/surgical plan if needed.

Advantages of diagnostic angiography

  • Precise, real-time visualisation of blood vessels.

  • Directly informs decisions about angioplasty, stenting, or surgery.

  • Often performed as an outpatient procedure with rapid recovery.

  • Allows simultaneous transition to therapeutic intervention if required (depending on the clinical scenario and prior consent).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is an angiogram painful?
A: Most patients feel minimal discomfort during local anaesthesia and catheter insertion. Contrast injections may cause a warm flushed sensation but are generally well tolerated.

Q: How long does the test take?
A: Typical diagnostic angiograms take 30–90 minutes, plus time for preparation and recovery.

Q: Will I need general anaesthesia?
A: No — diagnostic angiograms are usually done under local anaesthesia with sedation available on request.

Q: Can I drive myself home?
A: You may need someone to drive you home after the procedure, depending on sedation and your treating physician’s advice.

Q: Are there alternatives?
A: Non-invasive options such as CT angiography or MR angiography exist, and your specialist will discuss the best option for your situation.

Q: How soon will I get the results?
A: Preliminary results are often available the same day; a full report and treatment plan will be discussed at discharge or a follow-up visit.