Coronary Angiography
Coronary Angiography
Coronary Angiography
Angiography is a unique type of X-ray that lets your doctor view your coronary arteries to check if the blood vessels to your heart are narrowed or blocked.
Before the procedure
• Tell your doctor what medicines you take and any allergies you have.
• Tell your doctor if you've had a reaction to contrast dye or have had any kidney issues.
• Don’t eat or drink anything for at least 6 to 8 hours prior to the procedure. You will likely be told not to have anything after midnight, the night prior to the procedure.
• A nurse will run an IV catheter in your vein to give fluids, and medicine to relieve pain and help you feel less anxious.
• He or she will clean your skin and, if required, shave the area where the catheter will be inserted.
During the Procedure
• Your doctor will position a long, thin tube known as a catheter inside an artery in your groin or arm and guide it into your heart.
• A contrast dye is injected into your blood vessels or heart through the catheter.
• X-rays are done to show images of the inside of your heart and coronary arteries.
After the Procedure
• Your doctor or nurse will let you know how long to lie down and keep the insertion site still.
• If the insertion site was in your groin, you may be required to lie down with your leg still for several hours. If bleeding happens, a nurse will apply pressure to the area to control it.
• A nurse will check your blood pressure and the insertion site quite often to make sure you remain stable after the procedure.
• You may be asked to drink fluid to assist flush the contrast liquid out of your system.
• Have someone drive you back home from the hospital.
• If your doctor uses angioplasty to treat a blocked artery, you may stay the night in the hospital.
• It’s typical to find a small bruise or lump at the insertion site. The lump can be the collagen plug or stitch that you feel, or a small bruise. These common side effects should go away within a few weeks.
When to call your doctor
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of these:
• Chest pain
• Pain, swelling, redness, bleeding, or drainage at the insertion site
• Severe pain, coldness, or a bluish color in the leg or arm that held the catheter
• Fever over 100.4°F (38°C)
Disclaimer: The information provided herein is for patient general knowledge only and should not be used during any medical emergency, for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Duplication for personal and commercial use must be authorized in writing by Surjen.com.
