Presbyterian Healthcare 
Angiogram
| An arteriogram is also called an angiogram. An arteriogram is an x-ray image of the blood vessels to evaluate various vascular conditions, such as an aneurysm (ballooning of a blood vessel), stenosis (narrowing of a blood vessel), or blockages. |
Pre-procedure instructions
- No solid food the morning of your test. Medications can be taken with small sips of water four hours before the test.
- Continure taking prescribed medications and bring them with you. If you take Insulin for Diabetes, take half of your usual morning dosage.
- A family member should be present at the beginning of the test and at discharge. An overnight stay is possible.
- If you are scheduled for an arteriogram, please arrive two hours before your appointment time.
Post arteriogram - observation unit - instructions
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Puncture site care
- After your procedure, keep the site clean and dry for the next 24 hours.
- The Band-Aid may be removed the following day before showering or bathing.
- A small area of bruising or swelling in the puncture site area is normal and will gradually disappoear. The discolored area may spread as the bruise resolves; however, the area of swelling should not increase in size.
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Bleeding from puncture site
- Do not panic if bleeding occurs at your puncture site.
- Immediately lie down on a flat surface and apply firm pressure over the puncture site using the fingers on both hands.
- Hold firm pressure for 10 minutes.
- Recheck the site for further bleeding.
- If the bleeding is brisk or continues, reapply firm pressure to the site. Call your physician and/or go to the nearest emergency deparement.
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Activity
- After your procedure is completed, you are encouraged to rest and limit your physical activity.
- Bed rest, sitting in a chair and going to the bathroom is permitted.
- Driving on the day of the study is not recommended.
- You may resume your more usual activities the following day (this includes driving).
- You should not do any vigorous physical activities (such as heavy lifting or straining) until the following day or two.
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Nutrition
- You may resume your usual diet.
- You should increase your daily fluid by at least two glasses or liquid the night of your study and the following day. This will help your system clear the x-ray dye that was used during the procedure.
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Medication
- Continue to take your usual medications prescribed or instructed.
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Follow-up appointment
- Call your referring physician's office for a follow-up appointment after the procedure (if one has not already been pre-arranged).
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Call your physician if you have
- Unexplained fever over 101 degrees in the next 24 to 28 hours.
- Pain unrelieved by medication.
- Unusual redness, swelling, drainage or odor from the puncture site.
- Discolored/cool skin, pain or numbness in the leg used for the arteriogram.
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Do you have questions about angiograms? Visit our Health Library for answers. |
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