Why is this procedure done?
This procedure takes pictures of the blood vessels. Often it is used to look at blood vessels in the heart. It can also be used to look at other blood vessels in the kidneys, brain, lungs, or other parts of the body. It helps find problems like blockages or vessels that are not formed the right way. Damage in the heart blood vessels may cause chest pain or heart problems. Sometimes, the doctor can treat a blocked blood vessel during this procedure. ‚
What will the results be?
The results may tell your doctor if you have a problem with a blood vessel. Your doctor may learn what is causing your heart problem or chest pain. Talk to your doctor about the test. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- If you take diabetes drugs. You may need to change your diabetes drug before the test.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- Allergies to any drug or other substances.
- When you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure. Often you will need to stop eating and drinking after midnight the night before your test.
- Your doctor may order:
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- This may be done in a hospital or an outpatient center. Your doctor may give you drugs to help you relax. You will have an I.V. started in your hand or arm to give you fluids and drugs during your test.
- You will lie down on an x-ray table. A small tube called a catheter is put in a blood vessel in your arm or leg. The doctor gives you a special drug called dye or contrast through the tube to see the blood flow in the blood vessels of your heart. Pictures are taken when the dye is injected.
- You may feel warmth or a burning when the dye is injected, but it will pass quickly. Be sure to tell the staff if you have any pain or other problems during the test.
- When the test is done, the tube is removed and pressure is placed on the cut site for 10 to 20 minutes. This helps stop bleeding.
- The test takes 2 to 3 hours.
What happens after the procedure?
The staff will check your vital signs for 4 to 6 hours after the procedure. Your doctor will order drugs for pain and talk to you about going home. The doctor will also talk about the test results with you. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Rest when you get home for the rest of the day. Ask a friend or relative to spend the evening with you to help you and to look after you.
- Do not do any heavy activity for at least 12 hours after the procedure.
- Drink lots of water for the next 2 days to help clear the dye from your body.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. Together you may make a plan for more care.
- It is important to talk to your doctor about the test results. More tests may be needed.
What lifestyle changes are needed?
You may need to make lifestyle changes based on the results of your test. Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Do not smoke or use any tobacco products and avoid secondhand smoke. Talk to your doctor about whether you can drink beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol). ‚
Will physical activity be limited?
You may go back to your normal activities 2 days after the procedure. Talk to your doctor about your activity level and any changes you may need to make. Ask about how much exercise you should be getting. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Swelling
- Pain
- Allergic reaction to dye
Call your doctor right away if you have any of these problems. ‚
Where can I learn more?
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/angiography/pages/introduction.aspx ‚
VascularWeb ‚
http://www.vascularweb.org/vascularhealth/Pages/angiogram.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚