Arya WangYour cardiologist might refer you for an angiogram, a diagnostic procedure that produces in-depth x-ray images of your heart and its blood vessels if they have concerns about your heart. As with any procedure, reducing stress can be accomplished by being aware of what the test can tell you and your doctor as well as what to anticipate prior to, during, and after the test. An angiogram may also be referred to as cardiac catheterization, heart cath, or simply as a cath by your doctor. These words might be interchanged by your doctor.
Find out how long an angiogram takes and what to expect if you need an angiogram by reading about it.
What is An Angiogram?
During this cardiac (heart) procedure, a CT scanner is used to create 3D images of your heart and blood vessels while they are still beating.
This makes it possible for us to spot artery blockages and any areas where they are thinning.
Also known as a coronary CT angiogram, this term is sometimes used.
How Long Does An Angiogram Take?
In as little as 15 minutes, an angiogram can be completed. However, some can take a few hours. The steps your doctor takes once they’ve identified the problem will determine what happens.
What Should You Expect Before, During, and After the Procedure?
Before the Angiogram
On how to get ready for your angiogram, your cardiologist will give you instructions. Prior to the procedure, you might be asked to stop taking a few medications and refrain from eating or drinking anything for a while. When you get there, you’ll take off everything and put on a hospital gown. You’ll then receive an IV with fluids and medication. You will be given tranquilizers to help you relax both before and during the procedure.
During the Angiogram
An interventional cardiologist will perform your angiogram. The procedure will be performed in a hospital’s catheterization laboratory, or “cath lab.” The typical duration of an angiogram is 45 to 60 minutes. You’ll have a light sedative on top of a table while you’re awake.
You’ll get a local anesthetic to make a spot on your upper leg, arm, or wrist numb. Your only pain during the procedure will likely be the first needle prick. Once the area has been anesthetized, your interventional cardiologist will place a catheter (a small, flexible tube) into an artery there before leading it to your heart.
Your heart arteries will receive a minor injection of dye via the catheter. Your heart will be examined using X-rays. Your arteries will be highlighted by the contrast dye, which will also highlight any blockages. Your heart’s arteries and pumping chamber are also captured on film by the x-ray machine. The majority of people do not feel the dye injection, but a few people experience a slight discomfort in their chest, dizziness, or nausea.
After the Angiogram
If your angiogram shows “clean arteries” or only minor blockages, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes and/or medications. The angiogram may also reveal significant blockages, in which case your interventional cardiologist may immediately perform balloon angioplasty and stenting to open the blockage and reestablish blood flow to your heart, or you may be referred to a heart surgeon for a bypass operation.
Care in the Hospital
The catheter is taken out after the procedure is finished, and the doctor might use a tool to seal the spot where the artery was punctured. Otherwise, the medical professional applies pressure and holds it for around 20 minutes at the puncture site. After the catheter is removed, you might need to lie still for two to six hours if it was inserted into your leg.
Care at Home
You might find that the spot where the doctor put the catheter has bruised once you get home. Even if the area is large, it is not necessary to let your doctor know if you have bruises. Usually, it gets better over the course of one to three weeks.
You should call the doctor or nurse practitioner if you have:
• Bleeding, drainage, or painful swelling at the catheter insertion site
• Swelling or weakness and/or numbness in the leg or arm in which the catheter was inserted
• Fever
• Chest pain, pressure, or tightness that does not go away
• Difficulty speaking, smiling, or weakness of the arm and leg
How Does An Angiogram Test Work?
An angiogram entails injecting contrast material (dye) that your doctor can see with an X-ray machine. Blood vessel blockages and blood flow are depicted as images on a screen.
How to Prepare for An Angiogram Test?
Your medical professional might want to check your blood to see how well your blood clots are before your angiogram test. Additionally, they want to confirm that your kidneys are functioning properly.
Follow these guidelines after midnight the night before your test:
Always speak with your doctor before stopping any medication, especially anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents.
If your provider approves:
• Don’t consume any aspirin or aspirin-containing products.
• Avoid using blood thinners such as dipyridamole or warfarin (Coumadin or Jantoven) within 72 hours of the test and for 24 hours afterwards.
• Five days prior to your procedure, stop taking clopidogrel.
As usual, take all other prescription drugs.
Ask your doctor for guidance on when and if you should take your insulin if you have diabetes.
The evening before your angiogram, avoid eating anything after midnight. Don’t eat or drink anything after midnight if you’re going under general anesthesia for the procedure.
On the morning of your procedure, only consume clear liquids for breakfast. Tea, black coffee, ginger ale, and clear broth are examples of clear liquids.
Summary
Your doctor is likely looking for solutions if they want you to have an angiogram. They will determine whether you require treatment based on the results of your angiogram test. If it makes sense for your situation, they might address your problem while performing the procedure. In either case, you’ll feel cozy and at ease. If you have any inquiries about your angiogram or the results, ask your doctor.
