OVERVIEW
Angiogram
What is an angiogram?
An angiogram is a procedure performed on your heart under local anaesthetic to detect the presence of coronary artery disease. It might also be referred to as a coronary angiogram, coronary angiography, cardiac catheterisation or an “angio”.
During the procedure, a short plastic tube with a one way valve called a sheath is inserted into an artery in your groin, wrist or elbow. Your doctor will select the site that is right for you. The catheter (a thin, flexible hollow tube) is then guided through this insertion site over a wire into your heart and coronary arteries while your heart is monitored by X-ray.
A liquid contrast (X-ray dye) is injected through the catheter and X-ray video pictures are taken.
The test reveals if any of the coronary arteries are narrowed or blocked by plaque (fatty) deposits.
The pumping chamber and valves on the left side of the heart are also examined for any abnormalities.
How long does the procedure take?
An angiogram normally takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
If you have had heart surgery in the past, it will take additional time to locate and examine the bypass grafts.
How long will I be at the clinic for?
Day stay patients (those not staying overnight) should plan to be at the clinic for at least 6 to 8 hours from the time of admission to the time of discharge.
How do I prepare for an angiogram?
Provide informed consent
Your doctor will explain your procedure to you and answer any questions you may have. You will then be asked to sign a consent form.
You will find a copy of the consent form below. Please download and read this document in advance of your visit. Your doctor will discuss this with you on your arrival, if they have not already done so.
Consent for Coronary Angiography +/- Angioplasty/Stent (PCI)
If you have any questions or concerns, or require any additional information about your procedure in advance of your visit, please let your doctor know.
If you have access to a printer, then print your consent form and bring it with you on the day of your procedure. Otherwise we will provide you with a copy on the day to sign with your doctor.
If you have already signed the consent in your doctor’s rooms, then please disregard this instruction.
Contact us the day before your procedure
Please ring us between 11am and 1pm on the day before your procedure [tel: 02 9382 0700] to confirm your time of arrival, fasting and medication instructions. Please ring on a Friday if your procedure is on a Monday.
If you have special needs (these are outlined in the Before my visit patient guide) please let us know one week in advance of your visit.
Fasting
All patients attending Sutherland Heart Clinic are fasted prior to their procedure. Please follow the fasting instructions that are given to you when you ring us the day prior to your procedure.
Instructions:
- All patients must cease solid food six hours before their admission time
- All patients must cease clear fluids two hours before their admission time (note: clear fluids are NOT cloudy or milky drinks)
- From two hours before your admission – nil by mouth
For example, if your admission time is 7:00 am (please tailor this to your admission time)
- You can eat food up until 1:00 am
- You can have clear fluids (water, black tea/coffee, clear juice etc) up until 5:00 am
We will confirm the time of your procedure and when you need to start fasting when you call the clinic the day before your procedure (please refer to our detailed instructions in the Before my visit patient guide).
Medications
Patients prescribed Warfarin
If you take the medication Warfarin you will need to consult with your referring cardiologist who will advise you if you need to stop taking your Warfarin three days before your procedure. Your cardiologist may also advise that you need to take a substitute anticoagulant (blood thinner). It is very important that you do not stop taking your Warfarin until you have discussed this with your cardiologist.
Patients prescribed Lasix
On the day of your procedure:
If your procedure is scheduled for before 12:00 pm: Withhold your Lasix and bring in your tablets so staff can give them to you after your procedure
If your procedure is scheduled for after 12:00 pm: you may take your Lasix
Patients with diabetes
If you are prescribed insulin we suggest you take half your regular insulin dose on the day of your procedure. Remind the booking staff that you are on insulin and we will attempt to schedule your procedure as early as possible.
Insulin dependent (IDDM): You should take half (½) of your regular insulin dose (please bring in insulin)
Non-insulin dependent (NIDDM) – tablet controlled: You should continue your medication as normal
Non-insulin dependent (NIDDM) – diet controlled: Fast as per the instructions above
Other medications
Oral Sodium Glucose Inhibitors
If you take any of the following medication – Forxiga, Xigduo, Qtern, Jardiance, Jardiamet, Glyxambi, Steglatro, Segluromet, Steglujan – please contact Sutherland Heart Clinic for instructions prior to your procedure.
Aspirin, Plavix, Prasugrel, Ticagrelor, Pradaxa, Apixaban, Rivaroxaban
Your cardiologist will provide advice regarding if and when to stop other medication. All other medications include Aspirin, Plavix, Prasugrel, Ticagrelor, Pradaxa, Apixaban, Rivaroxaban.
We will discuss your medications with you when you call the clinic the day before your procedure (please refer to our detailed instructions in the Before my visit patient guide.
Skin and nails
There are no special requirements before your procedure in terms of skin care, so just shower or bath as usual. However, do not wear nail polish to your appointment.
What to bring
Please bring your current medications as well as any blood results. Please read our patient guide Before my visit for other items to bring with you on the day, and for how to prepare for your procedure.
Can I drive (or fly) afterwards?
You are advised not to drive or fly for 24 hours after your procedure. Please arrange for someone to drive you home if travelling by car, or to accompany you if you are travelling by taxi or Uber.
Please note that some airlines place restrictions on patients flying after certain procedures. Our staff will be able to provide you with guidance and advice.
What do I need to do after discharge?
Please make arrangements to have someone at home with you (overnight) on the day of your discharge in the rare event that you need assistance or support.
You can read more about your discharge care in our patient guides: Day of my procedure and After my visit.
What if I have questions or concerns?
What will happen before, during and after my procedure?
For a detailed overview of how to prepare for your procedure and what to expect before, during and after your visit to Sutherland Heart Clinic, please read the following patient guides: