Coronary Angiogram

Procedure

The arteries around your heart that supply blood to the heart muscle are called coronary arteries. Sometimes these arteries are narrowed or blocked. A cardiac catheterization is a test that is done to look at these arteries and to look inside your heart. You will be taken to the Cardiac Cath Lab. A small catheter will be inserted into your heart through an artery or a vein. Dye will be injected to allow the doctor to see the blood flow in your heart and coronary arteries, and X-rays pictures will be taken.

Before The Procedure

You will be asked to sign consent forms after your doctor has explained the procedure, and its risks.
Most patients are told not to eat or drink anything after midnight. Please ask your nurse.
One or both of your groins will be shaved.
You will need to empty your bladder and wear only a hospital gown.
Tell the doctor or nurse if you are allergic to shellfish, iodine, x-ray dye or any medications.
You may be given some medications to help you relax; you will not be put to sleep, but you may become very drowsy.
You will be taken to the cardiac cath lab.

During The Procedure
You will be lying on a hard table, surrounded by x-ray equipment. There will be patches on your chest that will have wires connected which go to a machine that monitors your heart.
The equipment is sensitive to heat, the room is kept cool - around 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
A local anesthetic (numbing medication) will be applied to the groin area.
The doctor will insert a small tube under the skin and into the vessel much like an IV is started.
An x-ray dye is injected which may cause a "hot feeling". You may be asked to follow simple commands to help your doctor with the procedure such as "cough", or "take a deep breath and hold it".
Inform your doctor how you are feeling, or if you have chest discomfort, nausea, shortness of breath.
The length of the procedure depends on a number of factors. An hour is typical. If it takes longer, that does not necessarily mean there is a problem.
Your heart rate and blood pressure will be watched closely.

After The Procedure
You may have one or two IV lines left in your groin for several hours or overnight. You must stay in bed and not bend the leg to prevent bleeding.
When the IV's are removed, a C-clamp (a mechanical device) will be used to apply pressure to your groin for at least one hour.
It will be several hours before you can get out of bed to prevent any bleeding at the insertion site.

Please feel free to ask questions about this procedure, we want you to feel as comfortable as possible about your cardiac catheterization.





	Procedure The arteries around your heart that supply blood to the heart muscle are called coronary arteries. Sometimes these arteries are narrowed or blocked. A cardiac catheterization is a test that is done to look at these arteries and to look inside your heart. You will be taken to the Cardiac Cath Lab. A small catheter will be inserted into your heart through an artery or a vein. Dye will be injected to allow the doctor to see the blood flow in your heart and coronary arteries, and X-rays pictures will be taken. Before The Procedure A few basic ideas of what to expect before, during and after the procedure may decrease some anxiety of your hospitalization. You will be asked to sign consent forms after your doctor has explained the procedure, and its risks. Most patients are told not to eat or drink anything after midnight. Please ask your nurse. One or both of your groins will be shaved. You will need to empty your bladder and wear only a hospital gown. Tell the doctor or nurse if you are allergic to shellfish, iodine, x-ray dye or any medications. You may be given some medications to help you relax; you will not be put to sleep, but you may become very drowsy. You will be taken to the cardiac cath lab. During The Procedure You will be lying on a hard table, surrounded by x-ray equipment. There will be patches on your chest that will have wires connected which go to a machine that monitors your heart. The equipment is sensitive to heat, the room is kept cool - around 68 degrees Fahrenheit. A local anesthetic (numbing medication) will be applied to the groin area. The doctor will insert a small tube under the skin and into the vessel much like an IV is started. An x-ray dye is injected which may cause a "hot feeling". You may be asked to follow simple commands to help your doctor with the procedure such as "cough", or "take a deep breath and hold it". Inform your doctor how you are feeling, or if you have chest discomfort, nausea, shortness of breath. The length of the procedure depends on a number of factors. An hour is typical. If it takes longer, that does not necessarily mean there is a problem. Your heart rate and blood pressure will be watched closely. After The Procedure You may have one or two IV lines left in your groin for several hours or overnight. You must stay in bed and not bend the leg to prevent bleeding. When the IV's are removed, a C-clamp (a mechanical device) will be used to apply pressure to your groin for at least one hour. It will be several hours before you can get out of bed to prevent any bleeding at the insertion site. Please feel free to ask questions about this procedure, we want you to feel as comfortable as possible about your cardiac catheterization. The information contained in this web site is presented for information purposes only, and is not intended to substitute in any way a consultation with a physician or competent healthcare professional for medical diagnosis and/or treatment.