Discharge Instructions for Coronary Arteriography

You just underwent a coronary arteriography. This is also called coronary angiography or coronary catheterization. Doctors use coronary arteriography to evaluate blockages in the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart. This procedure helps them determine the number and severity of diseased blood vessels. During your procedure, a doctor inserted a thin, flexible tube (called a catheter) into the blood vessel at your groin. Contrast fluid (a “dye” visible by x-ray) was injected into the bloodstream, where it traveled to your heart. Then, a doctor took x-ray pictures and studied them to see whether your heart’s blood vessels were blocked or damaged.

Home Care

• Have someone drive you to your appointments for the next few days.

• Adjust your lifestyle to light and easy activities for 2-3 days after the procedure. Avoid heavy or strenuous activity for 2 weeks after the procedure.

• Ask your doctor when you can expect to return to work.

• Take your medications exactly as directed. Don’t skip doses.

• Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day to prevent dehydration and to help flush your body of the dye that was used during your arteriography.

• Take your temperature and check your incision for signs of infection (redness, swelling, drainage, or warmth) every day for a week. It is normal to have a small bruise or bump where the catheter was inserted.

• Eat a healthy diet that is low in fat, salt, and cholesterol. Ask your doctor for menus and other diet information.

• Break the smoking habit. Enroll in a stop-smoking program to improve your chances of success.

• Exercise according to your doctor’s recommendation.

• Avoid swimming or taking baths until the doctor says it’s okay. You may shower the day after the procedure.

Follow-Up

Make a follow-up appointment as directed by our staff.