Medically reviewed by Dr Pinakin V Parekh, General & Interventional Cardiologist (MBBS (Singapore), MRCP (UK), GDFM (Singapore), FAMS (Singapore), FRCP (Glasgow)). Last Updated: 2026, 28 August
Founder & Medical Director of Trident Heart Centre
Dr Pinakin V Parekh is an interventional cardiologist in Singapore with over 20 years of experience in heart care. He specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of heaart diseases, including procedures such as angiogram and angioplasty.
A coronary angiogram is a test used to look at the blood vessels that supply your heart. It uses a special dye and X-ray imaging to show if there are any narrowed or blocked arteries.
This test helps your cardiologist understand how well blood is flowing to your heart and whether further treatment, such as angioplasty, may be needed.
You may be advised to undergo a coronary angiogram if there are concerns about your heart or blood flow.
Common reasons include:
A coronary angiogram provides detailed information about your heart arteries. It can help detect:
In some cases, specialised tools can be used during the angiogram to measure blood flow and assess how severe a blockage is. Dr Pinakin is experienced in using these techniques to support more precise assessment and guide treatment decisions.
A coronary angiogram is a minimally invasive procedure that allows our cardiologist to assess your heart arteries in detail.
Before the procedure, our cardiologist will guide you through the necessary steps:
During the angiogram, a thin tube called a catheter is used to examine your heart arteries. You will be awake, but the procedure is done under local anaesthesia to numb the insertion site, and mild sedation may be given to help you feel relaxed.
Step 1: A catheter is inserted into a blood vessel in your wrist or groin.
Step 2: The catheter is guided to your heart using X-ray imaging.
Step 3: A contrast dye is injected to make the arteries visible on the scan (you may feel a brief warm sensation).
Step 4: Images are taken to identify any narrowing or blockages.
After the procedure, you will be monitored in a recovery area while your heart rhythm, blood pressure, and puncture site are checked. Most patients can go home the same day or after a short observation period, depending on their condition and results.
If a blockage is detected during your coronary angiogram, our cardiologist will assess its severity and discuss the most appropriate next step. In many cases, an angioplasty can be performed during the same procedure to open the artery and insert a stent, restoring blood flow immediately. This allows treatment to be carried out without the need for a separate procedure.
A coronary angiogram is commonly performed and generally safe, but like any procedure, there are some risks. These may include:
Our care team will take appropriate precautions and monitor you closely to minimise these risks.
Recovery after a coronary angiogram is usually straightforward, and most patients return to normal activities quickly.
Daily Activities
You can usually resume light activities within a day, avoiding strenuous exertion for a short period.
Monitoring
Keep the insertion site clean and watch for any unusual swelling or discomfort.
Follow-Up
Your cardiologist will review the results with you and discuss whether further treatment, such as angioplasty, is needed.
Next Steps
If blockages are found, a treatment plan will be tailored based on your condition and overall health.
You may feel slight pressure or a brief pinch at the catheter site, but local anaesthesia and mild sedation keep you comfortable throughout.
Most procedures take about 15 - 30 minutes.
It’s best to fast for 4–6 hours before the procedure and avoid caffeine on the day of your angiogram.
Medisave may be used to cover a portion of the angiograms. Our team can advise you based on your specific situation.
Dr Pinakin uses current, evidence-based methods to carefully evaluate and treat heart conditions, helping you feel confident in your care.
Every patient is treated as an individual, with attention to your full health and lifestyle, not just the heart problem.
From assessment to treatment, screenings and procedures are conveniently coordinated in one place for a smoother, more reassuring experience.
