Coronary Angiography
An angiography or angiogram is a special type of X-ray that allows your coronary arteries to be viewed and recorded on film. This X-ray allows your doctor to see if the blood vessels to your heart are clogged.
Before Your Angiography
- Tell your doctor what medicines you take and any allergies you may have.
- Don’t eat or drink anything after midnight on the night before the procedure.
- Arrange for an adult family member or friend to drive you home.
During Your Angiography
- 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 show clear photos of the inside of your heart and coronary arteries.
After Your Angiography
- You need to remain lying down for 6–12 hours.
- If the insertion site was in your groin, you may be required 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.
- An adult family member or friend will need to 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.
Find a cardiologist now, or call 678-312-5000 for a physician referral.