CARDIAC CATHERIZATION (ANGIOGRAM)

A cardiac catherization (angiogram) is a diagnostic test to evaluate heart problems.  This test looks at the blood flow through your heart's vessels.  It can also evaluate heart muscle strength and problems with the valves in your heart.

Before the procedure:
1. You will usually have a chest x-ray and specific blood tests.  Be sure to tell your physician/nurse about any medications you take, including all over the counter type remedies, herbal products, supplements and vitamins.
2. The hospital representative will call you, usually the day before the procedure, with the time you should go to the hospital for the procedure.
3. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the day before your test.  Please follow directions from your physician regarding if and when to take your medications. Wear loose fitting clothes the day of the procedure.
4. You will need to have someone come to the hospital with you and be able to drive you home. You cannot drive or operate dangerous machinery after the procedure.
5.  It is a good idea to bring an overnight bag (toothpaste, brush, deodorant etc.) in the event you need to spend the night at the hospital.

Day of procedure:
1. You will report to the hospital the morning of the procedure.  Your blood pressure and heart rate will be checked and an intravenous catheter (IV) will be placed in your arm. 
2. You will be taken to the procedure room and assisted onto a table.  Electrode stickers will be placed on your chest to monitor your heart beat.  Additional medications may also be given through the IV to help you relax.  To minimize discomfort with the procedure, a local anesthetic will be used to numb the groin area. A small incision at the groin site will be made and a catheter will be inserted into your femoral artery and directed toward your heart.  On occasion, an artery in your lower arm might be used rather then one in your groin. 
3. When the catheter reaches your heart, dye will be injected through the catheter and a series of x-ray pictures of your heart will be taken.  Unless additional procedures are needed, this procedure usually takes 30 minutes.
4. Once the procedure is completed, the catheter will be removed from your groin.  To stop the bleeding, a collagen-like plug may be inserted into the wall of the artery.  This plug is known by several names (angioseal, vasoseal, perclose) and will slowly be absorbed by your body over time.  After several hours of bed rest, you should be able to go home again.  Specific follow-up instructions will be given to you at that time.  You will need to arrange for transportation home, you cannot drive after the procedure because you will have received medication.

Site care: 

The area where the catheter was inserted should be treated with the following care:
1.Leave the band-aid in place for 24 hours.
2.Wash the site on a daily basis with soap and water (no tub baths, hot tubs, Jacuzzi’s or swimming pools for at least one week after the procedure).
It is not uncommon for your groin to be sore and tender for several days after the angiogram.  Bruising may develop after this procedure, which is normal.  You might also notice a small lump, about the size of an eraser tip, at the groin site.  This is the closure device used and will slowly be absorbed by your body.

Contact your physician if you experience any of the following:
Unusual pain at the groin/arm site or down the affected leg/arm or hand
Signs of infection: redness, warmth, drainage at the groin site
Fever and/or chills
If you have heavy bleeding at the groin site call 911

Resuming normal activity: 

You may resume all activity the day after your procedure with the exception of heavy lifting (nothing heavier than 10 pounds).  Heavy lifting is to be avoided for at least three days following your procedure.

Follow-up appointment:

Call your cardiologist’s office the day after your procedure to make an appointment to be seen by your cardiologist or the Advance Practice Nurse within the next week, or as directed.

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