An angiogram is a test that shows your doctor blockages in your coronary arteries and lets him/her look for other signs of heart problems.
A thin flexible tube (catheter) is inserted into an artery (usually in your groin) and guided up into your coronary arteries.
The area where the catheter will be inserted is numbed with medication before the insertion. A special chemical contrast material is injected into the catheter and your coronary arteries to highlight the arteries and heart chambers.
You may feel some flushing or chest tightness when the contrast is injected. It is important that you let the staff know right away if you have any chest pain or discomfort. You will need to be awake for this procedure, but usually a medicine to help you relax will be given.
When the procedure is done, the catheter guide will be removed and pressure will be held for 20-30 minutes at the insertion site. This may be uncomfortable, but is important to prevent bleeding.
After this you will need to remain in bed and keep your leg/arm straight for 4-8 hours. You will need to tell your nurse immediately if you have any warmth, bleeding, or pain at the procedure site, or any coolness, numbness or tingling in the affected leg/arm. It is very important to drink plenty of fluids after the procedure so you can flush all of the contrast materials out through your kidneys.
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