Coronary Angiography in Sharjah
Medically reviewed by Dar Al Kamal Team
What is coronary angiography?
Coronary angiography is a test that shows the inside of the coronary arteries, the vessels that carry blood to the heart muscle. A thin, flexible tube called a catheter is passed through an artery in the wrist or the groin up to the heart. Contrast dye is then injected through it, and X-ray pictures show the dye flowing through each artery, revealing where an artery is narrowed or blocked and how severely.
The procedure is carried out in a catheter laboratory at a specialist heart centre. At Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah, the cardiology team decides whether angiography is the right test for you, completes the checks that come before it, arranges your referral, and looks after you once you return. When angiography finds a narrowing that needs treatment, the specialist team often opens it with angioplasty and a stent in the same sitting, which is described on the interventional cardiology page.
Who needs it
Coronary angiography is recommended when there is a strong reason to suspect a significant narrowing in the heart arteries, and when the result is likely to change your treatment. Common reasons include:
- Chest pain on exertion with an abnormal exercise stress test
- A recent heart attack, or chest pain with changes on the ECG or blood tests
- Heart failure without a clear cause, where narrowed arteries need to be ruled in or out
- Planning before some heart valve operations
Your cardiologist weighs angiography against other ways of looking at the heart. An exercise stress test, an echocardiogram or a CT scan of the heart arteries at a centre that offers it can sometimes answer the question without a catheter. Angiography is chosen when it gives the clearest answer and when treatment could follow in the same procedure.
In the UAE, diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking and high cholesterol are common drivers of coronary artery disease, and people with diabetes sometimes have narrowed arteries with milder or unusual symptoms, such as breathlessness rather than chest pain.
What happens
Your journey starts with a consultation at Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah. The cardiologist reviews your symptoms, examines you and looks at your ECG, echocardiogram and stress test results. Blood tests check your kidney function, blood count and clotting, because the contrast dye passes through the kidneys and the procedure involves an artery puncture.
If angiography is recommended, your cardiologist explains why, discusses the alternatives, and writes a referral to a specialist centre with a catheter laboratory, sending your test results so the centre has the full picture.
At the centre, angiography is usually done while you are awake. The skin over the wrist or groin is numbed with local anaesthetic, and you may be offered something to help you relax. The wrist route is widely used because the small artery there is easy to press on afterwards, and it usually lets you sit up and move sooner. You may feel a warm flush when the dye is injected. The centre's team explains the results and any treatment given before you leave.
Preparing for it
- Follow the centre's instructions on eating and drinking before the procedure.
- Ask your cardiologist about your medicines, especially blood-thinning medicines and diabetes medicines, as some are paused or adjusted before angiography. Do not stop any medicine without advice.
- Tell the team about any previous reaction to contrast dye, kidney problems, or allergies.
- Bring your reports, including ECGs, echocardiogram, stress test results and blood tests, plus a list of all your medicines.
- Arrange a lift home, since driving is advised against on the day.
Afterwards
After angiography, the centre gives you instructions for caring for the puncture site on your wrist or in your groin. Avoid heavy lifting with the affected arm or leg until the centre says it is safe. Drink water as advised to help your kidneys clear the dye, particularly in the UAE summer heat.
Your follow-up continues at Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah, where your cardiologist reviews the angiography report, adjusts your medicines, and plans the next steps, which may include cardiac rehabilitation and control of your risk factors.
Contact the centre or the hospital if the puncture site becomes more swollen, painful or red, or if you develop a fever. Press firmly on the site and call emergency services if it bleeds heavily, or if your hand or leg becomes cold, pale, numb or painful. Call emergency services straight away if you have chest pain, breathlessness or feel faint.
Cost and insurance
Most UAE health insurance plans cover coronary angiography when a cardiologist requests it for a clear medical reason, but pre-approval is almost always required, and the approval is for the centre that performs it. The consultations and tests at Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah beforehand and afterwards are usually covered separately. Confirm your cover on 06 599 7777.
Related services
Frequently asked questions
Is coronary angiography done at Dar Al Kamal Hospital?
Coronary angiography is performed at a specialist heart centre with a catheter laboratory, not at Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah. The hospital's cardiology team assesses you, carries out the tests beforehand, arranges the referral and provides your follow-up care afterwards.
What are the risks of coronary angiography?
Coronary angiography is a common procedure, but it carries some risks, including bruising or bleeding at the puncture site, a reaction to the contrast dye, and effects on kidney function. Rare but serious risks include damage to an artery, heart rhythm problems, heart attack or stroke. The specialist team explains the risks for your situation before you consent.
Is coronary angiography painful?
Coronary angiography is usually not painful, because the skin at the wrist or groin is numbed with local anaesthetic before the catheter is inserted. Most people feel pressure rather than pain, and a warm flush when the contrast dye is injected.
What is the difference between angiography and angioplasty?
Angiography is the test that shows where the heart arteries are narrowed, while angioplasty is the treatment that opens a narrowed artery with a small balloon, usually followed by a stent. The two are often done in the same session at the specialist centre if the angiogram shows a narrowing that needs treatment.
Can I have a CT scan instead of an angiogram?
A CT scan of the heart arteries can sometimes replace a catheter angiogram, particularly when the chance of significant narrowing is low or moderate. A catheter angiogram is preferred when narrowing is likely and treatment may be needed at the same time. Your cardiologist advises which test suits you.
How do I know if I need an angiogram?
You may need an angiogram if you have chest pain with an abnormal stress test, have had a heart attack, or have heart failure without a clear cause. A cardiologist makes the decision after reviewing your symptoms and test results.
Is coronary angiography covered by insurance?
Most UAE insurance plans cover coronary angiography with pre-approval when it is medically needed, with the approval issued for the specialist centre that performs it. Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah can help you confirm your cover for the consultations and tests on 06 599 7777.
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