When you're deciding whether to have a coronary angiogram, it can help to hear what other people thought about as they made their decision.

[Woman] "I had a stress test, and it showed I have heart disease.

My brother has it too, and he got an angiogram, so he thought maybe I needed one.

But my doctor said that even though my brother and I have the same disease, not everyone who has it needs an angiogram.

My symptoms aren't changing, and my doctor said he's already got all the test results he needs to treat me.

I'm going to trust my doctor on this one."

[First man] "I've had heart disease long enough that I know what brings on my symptoms and what to do when I have them.

Lately, though, my symptoms have changed.

Sometimes I have chest pain even when I'm resting.

My doctor says that may mean my heart disease has gotten worse, so she wants to do an angiogram to see if we need to change my treatment.

If it shows I need surgery or angioplasty, I'm okay with that."

[Second man] "I'm the kind of person who likes having all the facts, especially when it comes to my health, so I was definitely in favor of getting an angiogram.

Having more information about my heart would be good, right?

But my heart doctor said I don't need this test.

I only get pressure in my chest if I exercise too hard, and it goes away when I slow down and take my medicine.

I already take aspirin and the heart medicine my doctor prescribed, and I exercise safely and eat right.

My doctor said that having an angiogram wouldn't change my treatment or help me live any longer, so I agree that I don't need it."

Like the people you've just heard from, you have your own feelings about the pros and cons of having a coronary angiogram.

It's important to share those feelings with your doctor, so the two of you can talk them over, combine them with the medical facts, and choose the best option for you.