What is the main purpose of coronary angiography?

The primary purpose of coronary angiography is to visualize the coronary arteries and assess for blockages. This procedure involves injecting contrast dye into the coronary arteries and taking X-ray images to see the flow of blood through these vessels. By doing so, healthcare providers can identify areas where arteries may be narrowed or blocked, which is crucial for diagnosing conditions such as coronary artery disease. Identifying these blockages is vital for determining the appropriate treatment, which may include lifestyle changes, medications, or procedures such as angioplasty or stenting.

Other options listed do not align with the main purpose of coronary angiography. Assessing blood pressure levels is done through sphygmomanometry, monitoring heart rate during exercise is typically done using an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) or during a stress test, and evaluating heart rhythm abnormalities is primarily the function of an electrocardiogram or Holter monitor. These tools have different purposes, focusing on other aspects of cardiac function, rather than directly visualizing the coronary arteries.