Patient Information
Coronary Angiography
The following information should be read by patients prior to a Coronary Angiography.
An angiogram (cardiac catheterisation) is a special x-ray procedure which examines your coronary arteries.
It shows an outline of the coronary arteries and will reveal if the arteries are narrowed or blocked.
The angiogram takes 30 to 40 minutes.
The information obtained from the angiogram will be used by your cardiologist to determine the treatment you require.
Preparing for the Procedure
Prior to the angiogram you will be asked to sign a consent form.
Please fast for six hours before the procedure, but keep drinking water.
Take all medications, including your aspirin as instructed by your cardiologist.
Bring all your medications into hospital with you.
An ECG and blood test may be performed if your cardiologist requests.
An intravenous cannula (IV) may or may not be required.
You will need to have a shower before the procedure and change into a gown (which opens at the back).
The operation site (groin or arm) may need to have the hair removed by electric clippers.
This will depend on your cardiologist's preference).
You do not need to remove glasses, hearing aids or dentures.
If your doctor orders you a sedative, you will have it approximately one hour prior to your procedure.
This will help you to relax but you will need to be awake throughout the procedure.
Please empty your bladder just prior to your procedure.
Plan to have a responsible person drive you home after your angiogram.
The Procedure
The catheter laboratory is similar to a theatre. You will be helped onto a narrow table and connected to an ECG machine to monitor your heart rhythm. Your blood pressure will be checked frequently.
Try to remain as still as possible throughout the procedure and follow the cardiologist's instructions.
The operation site will be cleaned with iodine and covered with sterile sheets.
The site will then be numbed with local anaesthetic and the catheter will be inserted into the artery.
The catheter's progress will be observed via a special x-ray machine.
Once the catheter is in place, dye is injected through it and the x-ray pictures are taken.
You may experience any of the following symptoms as the dye is injected:
nausea, palpitations, chest pain, hot flushes or a desire to pass water.
These feelings should subside quickly, but if they persist, please tell your cardiologist.
After the Procedure
When the angiogram is completed the introducer sheath will be removed.
Pressure will be applied to the puncture site using a clamp for approximately 20 minutes, or your cardiologist may choose to use a Perclose stitch or Angioseal. When the bleeding stops, a plastic dressing o Bandaid will be applied.
Your blood pressure, pulse, foot pulses and puncture site will be checked frequently.
You must remain resting in bed with your leg (or arm) straight for approximately two hours after the sheath has been removed. The head of your bed can only be raised up to 30 degrees.
Please report the following immediately:
chest pain
difficulty breathing
palpitations
fresh bleeding from the puncture site
numbness, swelling or pain at the puncture site
feeling unwell
You can eat after the procedure, and you will be asked to drink at least one glass of water every hour to help flush out the dye.
You will be seen by your cardiologist before discharge.
Your medications will be discussed at this point.
A cardiac rehabilitation program will help most patients reduce their risk for further coronary artery disease.
Please ask the nursing staff for further information regarding the heart health rehabilitation program offered at Hollywood Private Hospital.
Discharge Information
Plan to have someone drive you home after your angiogram.
For 24 hours after your angiogram you must not drive a car and you should avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting.
Remove the bandaid or plastic dressing after 24 hours.
Wash the site with mild soap and water then dry thoroughly.
Watch for the following potential problems:
increased swelling, redness or warmth at the puncture site
excessive bleeding (if bleeding occurs, apply firm pressure, rest quietly and call for help)
a change in sensation, feeling or colour in your leg
a hard 'lump' forming at the puncture site
Contact your GP, cardiologist or Hollywood Private Hospital should any of the above problems occur.
If you have an Angioseal device, carry your Angioseal information card with you
for 90 days after the procedure and follow the instructions on the card.
Please contact Hollywood Private Hospital coronary care unit on (08)9346-6021, if you have any further questions or concerns.
Written and compiled by the staff of ICU/CCU - Hollywood Private Hospital 1998.
Revised 2002: March 2005