What is Angiography or Angiogram and why is it done:

1. A test that helps to identify blockages in blood vessels which might cause heart attack.
2. Results are available the same day.
3. Special X-Ray of the inner walls of blood vessels that gives a clear vision of arteries, veins & heart chambers.
4. Normally arteries are not visible in a x-ray. A contrast agent/dye is injected in the artery through the skin
    using a thin, long flexible tube for clear visibility before the X-Ray.
5. Angiography also uses a camera to check the blood flowing through the arteries/veins.
6. Some local anesthesia is used to make the skin numb. Patient may be hospitalized for a day for this procedure.

Procedure Time: 2 to 3 hours.

Precautions before angiography:

1. Patients suffering from kidney disease, diabetes or high blood pressure must inform their doctor.
2. Blood pressure needs to be controlled for high BP/hypertension patients using medicines before the surgery.
3. Patients are asked to stop eating or drinking for 6 to 8 hours before angiography.
4. Patient is told to stop taking aspirin or other blood thinning medicines 3 days before the test.
5. Inform the doctor if you are allergic to drugs and iodine based dyes (which contain iodine & shellfish).

Precautions after angiography:

1. Patient is monitored for 4 to 6 hours and is usually discharged from the hospital within a day.
2. Do not drive immediately after the test and avoid strenuous activities.
3. Drink extra fluids for couple of days. Do not take aspirin or any blood thinning medicine for 1 day.
4. Resume normal activities after 2 days or so as per doctor's recommendation.