CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
Coronary angiogram
- No.1 in the UK for private cardiac care
- Results within 48 hours
- 99% of patients would recommend us to family and friends
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CORONARY ANGIOGRAM
Why choose us for your coronary angiogram?
We’re No.1 for private cardiac care, looking after more people than any other private healthcare provider in the UK. Over 79,000 cardiac patients have benefited from our advanced diagnostics and specialist treatments in the last three years, and we'll use our vast experience to give you similarly outstanding outcomes.
A coronary angiogram is a proven way to assess arterial disease in your heart. If it reveals any issues, they can be treated there and then. It’s sometimes also called cardiac catherisation, and it’s a common diagnostic approach that looks inside your heart's arteries to see where they’re narrowed or blocked as well as at how badly or well your heart is pumping blood.
Used alongside a CT coronary angiogram (CTCA) 3D imaging scan, it can help your consultant to diagnose the degree and severity of any heart disease you have. A CTCA is the new gold standard recommended by NICE for assessing stable coronary artery disease.
If your arteries have narrowed or are blocked, your cardiologist may decide to perform a coronary angioplasty. In this additional procedure, a small balloon is inserted into the narrowed artery, then inflated to expand it. This allows your blood to flow more freely and your heart to function as usual.
A stent can then be inserted, which acts like scaffolding to hold the vessel open. Stents are drug coated to help to prevent the re-narrowing of the artery, also known as restenosis.
Used alongside a CT coronary angiogram (CTCA) 3D imaging scan, it can help your consultant to diagnose the degree and severity of any heart disease you have. A CTCA is the new gold standard recommended by NICE for assessing stable coronary artery disease.
If your arteries have narrowed or are blocked, your cardiologist may decide to perform a coronary angioplasty. In this additional procedure, a small balloon is inserted into the narrowed artery, then inflated to expand it. This allows your blood to flow more freely and your heart to function as usual.
A stent can then be inserted, which acts like scaffolding to hold the vessel open. Stents are drug coated to help to prevent the re-narrowing of the artery, also known as restenosis.
If you have symptoms of heart disease, this procedure can help your consultant cardiologist to understand the extent of the disease, and whether surgery might be needed to expand your arteries.
You can also have a CT scan, an MRI or an ultrasound. These are other less or non-invasive ways of checking your heart arteries and heart functionality. Your consultant can advise you as to which scan they think is most appropriate for you.
You can also have a CT scan, an MRI or an ultrasound. These are other less or non-invasive ways of checking your heart arteries and heart functionality. Your consultant can advise you as to which scan they think is most appropriate for you.
This test is usually performed as a day case. You’ll be given local anaesthetic to numb your groin or wrist, and you may also be given a light sedative.
Your consultant will then insert a small, flexible tube into an artery at the top of your leg or your wrist and a fine wire (catheter) through that tube to your heart's arteries. They’ll inject a special dye through the catheter and take some X-rays.
This will help to show any narrowing in your arteries, and you may feel a warm sensation while they do this. At the same time as conducting your coronary angiogram, they may opt to measure the blood pressure in one or more of your coronary arteries too. This is called a pressure wire study, and it helps to give your consultant more information about your heart health.
Your consultant will then insert a small, flexible tube into an artery at the top of your leg or your wrist and a fine wire (catheter) through that tube to your heart's arteries. They’ll inject a special dye through the catheter and take some X-rays.
This will help to show any narrowing in your arteries, and you may feel a warm sensation while they do this. At the same time as conducting your coronary angiogram, they may opt to measure the blood pressure in one or more of your coronary arteries too. This is called a pressure wire study, and it helps to give your consultant more information about your heart health.
You have a choice of 235 consultant cardiologists at HCA UK, supported by a multidisciplinary team of sonologists, clinical nurses and other healthcare specialists. They’ll all work together to deliver the seamless care you need and are expert at conducting CT cardiac angiograms to help diagnose and treat a range of coronary disorders.
Our team of consultant cardiologists each offers different skill sets and specialisms. You can find the right consultant for you here.
Our team of consultant cardiologists each offers different skill sets and specialisms. You can find the right consultant for you here.
Next-day appointments
See a specialist and get on the path to an expert diagnosis in as little as 24 hours.
State-of-the-art diagnostics
With results in as little as 48 hours.
Wide-reaching expertise across the UK
Choose from 5 hospitals and 15 diagnostic centres in London, Manchester and Birmingham.
Where can I get my private coronary angiogram?
You can be treated by specialist cardiac consultants and dedicated teams at our hospitals in London, Birmingham and Manchester.
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place St John's Wood NW8 9LE London
THE CORONARY ANGIOGRAM PROCESS
Your private coronary angiogram with HCA UK
It’s natural to feel concerned if you need to have any kind of procedure relating to your heart and we want you to feel as informed and reassured as possible at every stage. Below you’ll find an outline of what to expect but our teams will be here for you to explain everything in person.
If you have any questions before arranging an appointment, we are happy to help.
01
GP or self-referral
You may have a referral from a GP for a coronary angiogram procedure but you’re also welcome to self-refer if you feel you need to get your heart health checked. Either way, just call the cardiac referral line on 020 7616 4988 and we’ll be happy to get you booked in with one of our consultant cardiologists.
02
The procedure
A coronary angiogram, sometimes known as an invasive coronary angiogram, is usually performed as a day case:
- You’ll be given local anaesthetic to numb your groin or wrist. You may also be given a light sedative.
- Your consultant cardiologist will insert a small, flexible tube into an artery at the top of your leg or your wrist.
- They’ll then guide a fine wire, known as a catheter, through the tube to your heart's arteries. They’ll inject a special dye through the catheter and take some X-rays. This will help to reveal any narrowing in your arteries. You may feel a warm sensation while they do this.
- We may measure the blood pressure in one or more of your coronary arteries, known as a pressure wire study, at the same time as performing your angiogram.
03
Aftercare
You should be able to go home on the same day as your procedure, but please arrange for someone to travel home with you. You should rest for three to four days to allow the top of your leg or your wrist to heal.
04
Follow up
Your consultant will discuss your results with you and let you know when you can get back to your usual routines and activities.
They'll also give you advice about any medication you may need and suggest any lifestyle adjustments around exercise and travel and what you’re eating and drinking that may help.
They can also advise if any further tests are needed and get those booked in. This will help to maintain momentum and quickly get you onto the best management or treatment pathway.
They'll also give you advice about any medication you may need and suggest any lifestyle adjustments around exercise and travel and what you’re eating and drinking that may help.
They can also advise if any further tests are needed and get those booked in. This will help to maintain momentum and quickly get you onto the best management or treatment pathway.
Accessing private health care
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll offer you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
Coronary angiogram FAQ
Your consultant will give you all the information you need and tell you how to prepare before the day. It’s important to let us know if you’re taking any medication, as you may need to stop taking it beforehand.
As with all procedures, there are some risks and side effects involved. We’ll explain these to you and answer any questions you have. If you have an allergy to shellfish, iodine or contrast agents, please tell us before you have your procedure as it could increase your risk of having an allergic reaction.
You’ll be asked to stop eating and drinking a few hours before your test.
As with all procedures, there are some risks and side effects involved. We’ll explain these to you and answer any questions you have. If you have an allergy to shellfish, iodine or contrast agents, please tell us before you have your procedure as it could increase your risk of having an allergic reaction.
You’ll be asked to stop eating and drinking a few hours before your test.
We can confirm an appointment with a cardiologist within 24 hours, and we'll send you the results of your coronary angiogram within 48 hours. That means you and your consultant cardiologist will quickly have access to key information and be able to make decisions about any treatment that you may need.
Our patient stories
A simple heart screening revealed Mahmoud’s tumour
At 55, Mahmoud had never felt fitter. The orthodontist from northwest London enjoyed daily exercise classes and a range of sports. It was only when a relative was diagnosed with cardiovascular disease that his wife suggested he arrange a routine heart health check-up.
“Mr Bahrami and his team were very thorough. There was a lot of preparation to ensure my safety.”
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.