Coronary Angiogram

A coronary angiogram evaluates your heart’s valves, pumping function, and heart arteries by using an x-ray technique called fluoroscopy. Images of your heart are taken in “real time” and provide a permanent record of your condition. A long, thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel in your groin (upper thigh), or arm and threaded to your heart.

A special dye is injected to highlight your heart and blood vessels so images may be taken. Coronary angiography is primarily a diagnostic procedure designed to identify whether or not you have disease in your heart arteries.

Click here to watch a video about Angiography.

Before the procedure

• Notify your doctor of any bleeding problems you may have, if you are taking coumadin or other blood thinning medication, or if you are allergic to iodine.
• If you are a diabetic, a change may be required in your insulin or pill regimen on the morning of the procedure.
• Patients with a history of kidney problems may require special preparation.
• Eat a normal meal the evening before your procedure. DO NOT eat, drink or chew anything after 12 midnight
• Ask your doctor what medications you are allowed to take.
• If you must take medications, take with a small sip of water.  
• Bring all current medications with you including the dosage and number of times you take the medication during a 24 hour period.
• A few days before your scheduled procedure, your doctor may order standard tests, such as an electrocardiogram, chest x-ray, or routine blood tests, or imaging tests.

During the procedure

• An IV (intravenous line) inserted in your arm administers sedatives, medications, and fluids during the procedure.
• The site of your catheter insertion site will be cleansed with an antiseptic soap and shaved and numbed with a local aesthetic.
• A tiny incision will be made in the skin. Your doctor guides a thin, flexible wire you’re your blood vessel to your heart.
• Your doctor inserts a catheter through a sheath, slides it over the guide wire, and guides it into your coronary arteries. 
• Once the catheter reaches your heart, a liquid dye (contrast fluid) is injected; your doctor can view your heart and arteries on a special specialized computer monitor.
• You may be asked to hold your breath for five to ten seconds while some of the photos of your heart are taken, and you may also be asked to cough a few times after the dye has been injected.

After the procedure

• You may receive a closure device in the cath lab at the conclusion of your procedure or the sheath may be left in place for manual removal.
• In the recovery area, your sheaths will be removed from the artery in your groin. Nursing staff will apply firm and direct pressure by hand or with a clamp device. Pressure is maintained for approximately 20 to 30 minutes to help stop bleeding and to allow the puncture site to heal.
• A nurse monitors your blood pressure, heart rate, the entry site, and your circulation.
• Lie flat on your back. You may only raise your head slightly (30 degrees).You may bend your foot or wiggle your toes, but do not bend your knee. If you have to cough or sneeze, apply firm, direct pressure over the injection site.
• Drink extra fluids to eliminate the X-ray dye.
• Plan to stay in the hospital for 2 to 24 hours after your procedure is finished.
• Discuss your procedure findings, activity level, and medications with your doctor prior to your discharge.
• Have an escort or family member pick you up and drive you home from the hospital.
• Resume light activity (around home) the next day.
• Try to avoid driving for 2-3 days after the procedure and avoid lifting over 10 lbs for one week.

Physicians

• Fundador Adajar, MD
• Mark Bieniarz, MD
• Robert E. Federici, MD
• Geoffrey A. Kunz, MD
• Kimber M. Stout, MD
• Howard S. Zeman, MD
• Mark Zolnick, MD

Locations

• Albuquerque, 502 Elm Street NE (505) 841-1000
• Santa Fe, 2085 S. Pacheco Street (505) 984-8012

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Angiography Video