Coronary Angiography

Angiography is a special type of x-ray that allows your coronary arteries to be viewed and recorded on film. Your doctor can see if the blood vessels to your heart are clogged.

Before the Procedure

• Tell your doctor what medicines you take and any allergies you may have.

• Don’t eat or drink anything after midnight, the night before the procedure.

During the Procedure

• A long, thin tube called a catheter is placed inside an artery in your groin or arm and guided into your heart.

• A contrast dye is injected through the catheter into your blood vessels or heart chambers.

• X-rays are taken to to show clear photos of the inside of your heart and coronary arteries.

After the Procedure

Call Your Doctor If:

• You have angina (chest pain).

• The insertion site has pain, swelling, redness, bleeding, or drainage.

• You have severe pain, coldness, or a bluish color in the leg or arm that held the catheter.

• You experience blood in your urine, black or tarry stools, or any other kind of bleeding.

• You have a fever over 101.0°F.

• You need to remain lying down for 6–12 hours.

• If the insertion site was in your groin, you may need to lie down with your leg still for several hours.

• A nurse will check your blood pressure and the insertion site.

• You may be asked to drink fluid to help flush the contrast liquid out of your system.

• Have someone drive you home from the hospital.

• It’s normal to find a small bruise or lump at the insertion site. These common side effects should disappear within a few weeks.