A<unk>  is a minimally invasive procedure to access the<unk>  circulation and blood filled chambers of the heart using a catheter. It is performed for both diagnostic and interventional (treatment) purposes.<unk>  is one of the several cardiology diagnostic tests and procedures. Specifically, through the injection of a liquid radiocontrast agent and illumination with X-rays, angiocardiography allows the recognition of occlusion, stenosis, restenosis, thrombosis or aneurysmal enlargement of the<unk>  artery lumens; heart chamber size; heart muscle contraction performance; and some aspects of heart valve function. Important internal heart and lung blood pressures, not measurable from outside the body, can be accurately measured during the test. The relevant problems that the test deals with most commonly occur as a result of advanced atherosclerosis – atheroma activity within the wall of the<unk>  arteries. Less frequently, valvular, heart muscle, or arrhythmia issues are the primary focus of the test.<unk>  artery luminal narrowing reduces the flow reserve for oxygenated blood to the heart, typically producing intermittent angina. Very advanced luminal occlusion usually produces a heart attack. However, it has been increasingly recognized, since the late 1980s, that<unk>  does not allow the recognition of the presence or absence of<unk>  atherosclerosis itself, only significant luminal changes which have occurred as a result of end stage complications of the atherosclerotic process. See IVUS and atheroma for a better understanding of this issue.
Coronary catheterization
Ballistocardiography
Coronary CT angiography
Cardiac ventriculography
Cardiac catheterization
Magnetocardiography
Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging
Cardiac imaging