Why they're used-Cardiac catheterisation and coronary angiography

Cardiac catheterisation and coronary angiography can provide important information about the heart and the surrounding blood vessels supplying it.

This can help diagnose heart conditions, plan future treatments, and carry out certain procedures.

The heart has 4 chambers: the 2 small chambers at the top are called atria and the 2 larger chambers at the bottom are called ventricles.

Each ventricle has 2 valves to control the flow of blood in and out of the ventricle.

Using cardiac catheterisation, your cardiologist (heart specialist) can tell how well your heart valves and chambers are working.

The procedure can also provide important information about the blood pressure inside your heart.

Coronary angiography also gives video images (angiograms) that can show whether the blood vessels surrounding your heart are narrowed or blocked.

You may need treatment if there are any narrow areas or blockages.