Coronary Angiogram also known as cardiac catheterization is a diagnostic procedure using a special dye that is injected into the heart to see how well blood is flowing and provides a detailed image of narrowed or blocked arteries.

Indication

Positive Stress test, suspected coronary artery blockages, heart attacks, unstable angina and before major cardiac surgery.

Preparation before coronary angiogram

You may be asked to stop certain medications on the day of the procedure. If you are a diabetic, check with your cardiologist as to whether or not you should hold or continue your medication on the day of your procedure.

You will be given a consent form to sign before the procedure. Your cardiologist and nurse will ensure that you understand about the risk of the procedure.

You will need to put away all your valuables and remove all your jewelry, dentures and contact lenses on the day of your procedure.

The nurses will do shaving, and you will be given an antimicrobial solution to shower with in preparation for the procedure.

How the coronary angiogram done

This procedure is done in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory (Cath lab). No general anesthesia is required. Occasionally you may be given medications to relax.

Upon arrival at the cath lab, you will be assisted by the cath lab team to lie down on the X-ray table and the nurses will clean and prepare the site of the puncture with antiseptic.

Your cardiologist will give you a local anaesthetic before catheterizing to numb the area around the insertion site. The common insertion sites are the right wrist or groin. You may feel pressure when the needle is inserted into your artery. As dye is released, you may feel a sensation of spreading warmth or slight burning sensation. There is minimal discomfort.

X rays will be taken, you may be given breathing instructions and told to lie very still when this happens.

The procedure usually takes less than half an hour. Following the angiogram, pressure will be applied to the site of puncture for 10-15 minutes. This will help prevent bleeding. If the insertion site is the wrist, a small bandage will be applied to that area.

You will be asked to lie flat. If the insertion site is in the groin, usually you will be able to go home in 6 hours. If the insertion site is the wrist, usually you will be able to go home in 3 hours.

After your medical evaluation, your cardiologist will discuss a treatment plan for you. If your circulation is severely impaired, procedures such as angioplasty or bypass surgery may be recommended.