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.