Tips For Preparing For Your Angiogram Test

19 September 2017

Jaime Allen

If you have a suspected heart condition, then there are several tests that may need to be completed to fully evaluate your situation. One of these tests is called an angiogram, and it can be completed at an outpatient care center. While the test is easy and simple, there are a few things that you will need to do to prepare for the test. Keep reading to learn about these things. 

Bring A Driver

One of the reasons why an angiogram can be completed as an outpatient procedure is the fact that you can remain away during the test. While this is true, most individuals will be provided with a sedative. This allows for relaxation and you may drift to sleep during the procedure. There are a few different sedatives that can be used, but the most common include Valium or Fentanyl. These sedatives are strong ones that can leave you feeling drowsy for some time. For this reason, you will need someone to drive you home after the procedure. 

While wakeful sedation is most common, there are cases where general sedatives are needed. Typically, anyone with an extreme or serious systematic disease, like congestive heart failure, will need full sedation. Also, if an additional procedure needs to be completed right away, then general anesthesia may need to be provided. This can lengthen the stay and leave you feeling more groggy and fatigued than if partial sedation is considered. Therefore, when you secure a driver, make sure the individual understands that wait times can vary and that general sedatives may be necessary. 

Skip The Coffee

You will be asked to empty your bladder before the angiogram begins and you will only need to remain still for about one to two hours while the procedure is completed. While these things are true, additional procedures can lengthen this timeframe, so it is wise to avoid anything that will increase your need to urinate, and this includes coffee.

Also, it is wise to avoid things with caffeine, because you will need to strapped to a catheterization table. This is the table is in a catheterization lab and it allows for a stable and safe area where a catheter can be inserted into your femoral or brachial artery. To make sure that your body remains completely still so that the camera can advance through your circulatory system and into your heart, you will be strapped to the table. This can be uncomfortable and you may be restless if you consume caffeine beforehand. 

Since you will be strapped down, you should let your physician or technician know if you are claustrophobic or if you have anxiety about this. In this case, more sedative can likely be provided. 

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