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The most common reason for an angiogram is to find out if there is a blockage of an artery causing your symptoms. An angiogram can determine exactly where the artery is blocked, how severe the blockage is and what is causing the blockage.
Before the procedure:
- Do not smoke for at least 24 hours before your angiogram.
- You will need to remove any jewelry, dentures or partials.
- Further instruction will be given by your doctor.
After the procedure:
- You will stay in the hospital for 4 to 6 hours after the angiogram is completed.
- Have someone drive you home after your procedure.
- Take your medication and eat normally.
- Avoid unnecessary walking or stair climbing and bending for 1 week.
- Avoid heavy lifting.
- Take the bandage off the insertion site the day after your surgery. Wash and gently pat the area dry. Re-apply a small bandage if there is no scab on the insertion site.
- Showering is preferred over a bath for the first 3 days.
Call your doctor if you:
- Start to bleed where the catheter was inserted.
- There is any change in the colour or temperature of the area where the catheter was inserted.
- There is a numbness, coolness or change in colour of the arm or leg where the catheter was inserted.
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