Coronary Angiography Cost in Delhi (2026) — Procedure, Risks & Hospital Charges

Coronary angiography is one of the most important diagnostic tests in cardiology. It is the gold standard for directly visualising blockages in the heart's arteries and plays a central role in deciding whether a patient needs angioplasty, bypass surgery or medical management alone.

One of the first questions patients ask when their cardiologist recommends an angiography is: "How much will it cost?" The cost of coronary angiography in Delhi can range from approximately Rs 15,000 in a government hospital to Rs 50,000 in a private facility. This article provides a transparent breakdown to help you plan ahead.

What Is Coronary Angiography?

Coronary angiography (also called cardiac catheterisation or a coronary angiogram) is a catheter-based diagnostic procedure that uses X-ray imaging to examine the coronary arteries — the blood vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. It is the most accurate method available to detect blockages, narrowing or other abnormalities in these arteries.

During the procedure, a thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted through an artery in the wrist (radial access) or the groin (femoral access) and guided to the openings of the coronary arteries. A special contrast dye is then injected through the catheter, and a series of X-ray images (fluoroscopy) are taken in real time. The dye makes the arteries visible on the X-ray screen, allowing the cardiologist to see the exact location, severity and extent of any blockages.

The entire procedure typically takes 20 to 30 minutes and is performed under mild sedation with local anaesthesia. It is done in a cardiac catheterisation laboratory (cath lab), and the patient remains awake throughout.

Diagnostic Angiography vs CT Coronary Angiography

Patients often confuse diagnostic coronary angiography (catheter-based) with CT coronary angiography (a non-invasive CT scan of the heart). While both are used to evaluate coronary arteries, they are fundamentally different procedures:

• Catheter-based (invasive) angiography: A catheter is inserted into the artery, contrast dye is injected directly into the coronary arteries, and live X-ray images are captured. This is the gold standard for accuracy and allows the cardiologist to perform angioplasty in the same sitting if a significant blockage is found.
• CT coronary angiography: A non-invasive scan where the contrast dye is given through a vein in the arm, and a CT scanner takes detailed images of the heart and coronary arteries. It is useful as a screening tool, especially in patients with low to intermediate risk. However, it cannot be used to treat blockages directly.

For a detailed comparison of these two approaches, including when each is recommended, read our guide on CT coronary angiography vs invasive coronary angiography.

Why Is Coronary Angiography Done?

Your cardiologist may recommend coronary angiography in the following situations:

• Chest pain evaluation: When symptoms such as chest pain, tightness or breathlessness on exertion suggest coronary artery disease, and non-invasive tests are inconclusive or suggest significant disease.
• Abnormal stress test: If a treadmill test (TMT) or stress echocardiogram shows reduced blood supply to the heart muscle, angiography is done to identify the exact blockage.
• After a heart attack: Following a heart attack, angiography is essential to locate the blocked artery and plan treatment — either emergency angioplasty or medical management.
• Pre-surgery evaluation: Before major non-cardiac surgery (such as valve replacement or large abdominal surgery), angiography may be done to rule out significant coronary artery disease in high-risk patients.
• Follow-up after angioplasty or CABG: In patients who have previously undergone angioplasty with stenting or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), angiography may be recommended if symptoms recur, to check for restenosis or graft blockage.
• Heart failure with suspected coronary cause: When heart failure may be caused by coronary artery disease, angiography helps determine whether revascularisation could improve heart function.

Step-by-Step: How Coronary Angiography Is Performed

Understanding the procedure can help reduce anxiety. Here is what happens during a typical coronary angiography:

1. Access site preparation: The skin at the wrist (radial artery) or groin (femoral artery) is cleaned and a local anaesthetic is injected to numb the area. Most cardiologists today prefer the radial (wrist) approach because it allows earlier mobilisation and has a lower risk of bleeding.
2. Catheter insertion: A small needle puncture is made in the artery, and a thin sheath (introducer) is placed. Through this sheath, a flexible catheter is advanced under fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance through the arterial system to the heart.
3. Contrast dye injection: The catheter tip is positioned at the opening of each coronary artery. Contrast dye is injected in small amounts, making the arteries visible on the X-ray monitor. You may feel a brief warm sensation when the dye is injected — this is normal.
4. Fluoroscopy and image capture: Multiple X-ray images (angiograms) are taken from different angles to map the entire coronary artery tree. The cardiologist examines these images in real time to identify any narrowing, blockages or abnormalities.
5. Catheter removal and closure: Once the images are complete, the catheter and sheath are removed. Pressure is applied to the puncture site to stop bleeding. In radial access, a compression band is placed on the wrist; in femoral access, manual pressure or a closure device is used.

The entire procedure typically takes 20 to 30 minutes. Mild sedation is given to help the patient relax, but general anaesthesia is not required. The patient remains awake and can communicate with the medical team throughout.

Coronary Angiography Cost Breakdown in Delhi

The cost depends on the type of angiography, the hospital category, and whether any additional intervention is performed during the same sitting:

Note: These are indicative ranges for Delhi NCR in 2026 and may vary between hospitals. CT angiography is charged separately and is a non-invasive outpatient test. If angioplasty is performed in the same sitting as the diagnostic angiography, the combined cost will be significantly higher and depends on the number of stents, type of stent and hospital charges. See our detailed guide on angioplasty cost in Delhi for a full breakdown.

Factors That Affect the Cost

Several variables determine the final hospital bill for coronary angiography:

• Hospital type: Government hospitals like AIIMS, Safdarjung and GTB offer subsidised rates. Private hospitals charge higher facility fees but may offer shorter waiting times and quicker scheduling.
• Radial vs femoral access: The choice of access site (wrist or groin) does not significantly change the procedure cost. However, radial access generally results in shorter bed rest and earlier discharge, which may reduce the overall hospital stay cost.
• If angioplasty is needed in the same sitting: If the angiography reveals a significant blockage that requires immediate treatment, the cardiologist may proceed with angioplasty and stenting during the same procedure. This adds Rs 1 to 3 lakh to the bill depending on the number and type of stents used.
• Room category: General ward, semi-private or private room — the room choice affects the hospital charges, though the procedure itself is performed in the same cath lab regardless.
• Insurance and government scheme coverage: Patients covered under health insurance, CGHS, ECHS or Ayushman Bharat (PMJAY) can have most or all of the cost covered. Cashless treatment at a network hospital can eliminate out-of-pocket expenses entirely.
• Additional investigations: Some patients may need special assessments during the angiography, such as fractional flow reserve (FFR) or intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), which add to the cost.

It is advisable to ask the hospital for a detailed cost estimate before admission, especially if you are paying out of pocket. Many hospitals provide a package rate for diagnostic angiography that covers the cath lab, consumables, room charges and doctor's fees.

How to Prepare for Coronary Angiography

Proper preparation helps ensure the procedure goes smoothly and safely:

• Fasting: You will be asked to not eat or drink for 6 to 8 hours before the procedure. Clear water may be allowed up to 2 hours before, as advised by your doctor.
• Blood tests: Routine blood tests are done beforehand, including kidney function tests (creatinine, BUN), complete blood count (CBC) and coagulation profile (PT/INR). Kidney function is particularly important because the contrast dye is cleared through the kidneys.
• Medications: Inform your cardiologist about all medicines you are taking. Blood thinners such as warfarin may need to be stopped or adjusted 2 to 3 days before the procedure, as advised. Do not stop any medication on your own without consulting your doctor.
• Allergies: Tell your doctor if you have any known allergies, especially to iodine, contrast dye, seafood or any medication. If you have a history of dye allergy, pre-medication with steroids and antihistamines can be given to reduce the risk of a reaction.
• Consent: You will be asked to sign an informed consent form. The doctor or a team member will explain the procedure, its benefits, risks and alternatives before you sign.

After the Procedure: Recovery and Discharge

What happens after the angiography depends largely on which access site was used:

General instructions after discharge:

• Drink plenty of water to help flush the contrast dye from your kidneys.
• Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 24 to 48 hours.
• Keep the puncture site clean and dry. Watch for any bleeding, swelling, numbness or discolouration and report it to your doctor immediately.
• Resume your regular medications as advised by your cardiologist.

Your cardiologist will discuss the angiography results with you and your family, usually within an hour of the procedure. The angiography images are recorded on a CD that you can take with you for your records or for a second opinion.

Risks of Coronary Angiography

Coronary angiography is a routine procedure with a strong safety record. However, like any invasive medical procedure, it carries some risks. It is important to understand these so you can make an informed decision:

• Bleeding or bruising at the catheter site: This is the most common complication. Minor bruising at the wrist or groin is expected and resolves on its own. Significant bleeding is uncommon, especially with radial access.
• Allergic reaction to contrast dye: Some patients may develop a mild allergic reaction such as skin rash or itching. Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) are very rare. Patients with a known history of contrast allergy are pre-medicated to reduce this risk.
• Contrast-induced kidney injury: The contrast dye is processed by the kidneys. In patients with pre-existing kidney disease or diabetes, there is a small risk of temporary worsening of kidney function. Adequate hydration before and after the procedure helps protect the kidneys.
• Arterial injury or blood vessel damage: Rarely, the catheter may cause a small tear or spasm in the artery. This is almost always managed during the procedure itself.
• Heart attack or stroke: Extremely rare (less than 0.1% of cases) but can occur, particularly in patients who already have severe coronary artery disease or other high-risk conditions.

The overall complication rate for diagnostic coronary angiography is very low. The procedure is performed thousands of times each day across India, and the benefits of obtaining an accurate diagnosis almost always outweigh the risks.

Insurance and Government Scheme Coverage

Coronary angiography is covered under most health insurance policies and several government health schemes, which can significantly reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket costs:

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

Coronary angiography is the gold standard for diagnosing blockages in the heart's arteries. The cost in Delhi ranges from approximately Rs 15,000 at a government hospital to Rs 50,000 at a private facility for a diagnostic procedure. If angioplasty is performed in the same sitting, the combined cost increases to Rs 1 to 5 lakh depending on the number of stents, hospital and room category.

The procedure is safe, takes only 20 to 30 minutes, and most patients go home the same day when the radial (wrist) approach is used. Health insurance, Ayushman Bharat, CGHS and ECHS cover the procedure for eligible patients, significantly reducing out-of-pocket costs.

If your cardiologist has recommended coronary angiography, the most important step is to understand your reports, discuss any concerns, and get a clear cost estimate from the hospital based on your specific condition.

This article is intended for general patient education and does not replace a professional medical consultation. The costs mentioned are approximate ranges for Delhi NCR in 2026 and may vary between hospitals and individual cases. Please discuss your reports, treatment options and specific cost estimate with your cardiologist.