What is an Angiogram?: An angiogram is an x-ray exam that allows a doctor to see your blood vessels and the flow of blood to your heart. It shows the degree of blockage in your arteries, how well your heart is pumping and whether or not your heart valves open and close properly.
During an angiogram procedure, a special dye is injected into the blood vessels so that they can be seen on x-ray film. An angiogram can help your doctor make a proper diagnosis and suggest treatment for heart disease.
HOW CAN I PREPARE FOR THE PROCEDURE?: Follow the instructions given to you by your doctor. Here is some general information about preparing for an angiogram:
- Tell your doctor if you have any allergies, if you are on any medications (including aspirin or herbals) or if you might be pregnant.
- Have all required laboratory tests done before the procedure.
- Do not have any food or drink after midnight on the night before the procedure.
- Have a family member or friend available to drive you home.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO ME DURING THE PROCEDURE?: An angiogram is a fairly safe and straightforward procedure. Often, it is performed as an outpatient procedure, although a hospital stay is required for some patients.
Here are the common steps that occur during an angiogram:
- Step #1: You will be asked to put on a hospital gown.
- Step #2: You will be asked to empty your bladder before the procedure.
- Step #3: An intravenous (IV) line will be placed in one of your veins so that you can receive fluids and medicines during the procedure.
- Step #4: You will be taken to the procedure room, and given medication to help you relax.
- Step #5: In the procedure room, you will be asked to lie down on an x-ray table and keep your arms at your sides. The area where an incision will be made will be cleaned and shaved. (Very often, this incision is made in the upper thigh.) You will also be attached to equipment that will monitor your blood pressure, pulse and heart rate.
- Step #6: A doctor will insert a small hollow flexible tube, called a catheter, into your vein where the incision was made. A dye will be injected and pictures will be taken. Some patients feel a warm or flushed feeling at this time. These feelings are normal, and will pass. You will be asked to lie very still during this time.
- Step #7: The catheter will be removed, and pressure will be applied over the area for about 20 minutes so that bleeding will not occur. After that, a sandbag will be placed on the area for about four hours.
- Step #8: You will be asked to lie still in the recovery room for several hours. At this time, it is important to drink fluids, and you will still have your IV. Your blood pressure and pulse will still be monitored.
Tell your doctor or nurse if you have any concerns, anxiety or discomfort before or during the procedure.
WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT FOLLOW-UP CARE?: Your doctor or nurse will give you instructions for follow-up care. Here are some common instructions for angiogram patients:
- Take it easy for 24 hours.
- Eat a proper diet.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Keep a bandage on the catheter insertion site for a day.
- Do not take a hot bath or shower for at least 12 hours.
- Do not drive or operate machinery for at least 12 hours.
- Do not exercise, climb stairs, walk long distances or lift heavy things for at least 24 hours.
- Don't smoke for at least 24 hours (although you should not smoke at all!).
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY IF:
- You start bleeding from the catheter insertion site.
- The catheter insertion site changes color or temperature, becomes numb, is painful or swells.
- You have shortness of breath.
- You have discomfort in the face, jaw, arm or chest.
- You develop a fever.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PROCEDURE?: Angiograms do have certain risks. These risks vary by patient. Such risks include:
- Sensitivity to the dye, which could lead to infection or allergic shock
- Post-procedure bleeding
- Stroke
- Kidney damage
Your doctor will discuss how these risks might affect you.
