How to Recover From an Angiogram

Co-authored by Shervin Eshaghian, MD

Last Updated: March 16, 2022 References Approved

An angiogram or angioplasty uses a long, hollow tube called a catheter to diagnose and sometimes treat problems of the heart and coronary blood vessels and arteries. This procedure can be performed during a diagnostic cardiac catheterization when a blockage is identified, or it may be scheduled after a catheterization has confirmed the presence of coronary artery disease.^{[1]
X
Research source}^{[2]
X
Trustworthy Source
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Research and education center within the National Institutes of Health
Go to source} Having an angiogram may be frightening, especially if it is an emergency procedure to detect a blockage. But an angiogram is a routine procedure that is usually safe and painless. If your doctor has decided to perform an angiogram, it may be necessary to save your life. After the angiogram, there are several things that you can do to make sure that you recover well. Some of the things you can do include resting, taking your medications, and caring for your wound. Keep reading to learn more about how to recover from an angiogram.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Recovering in the Hospital

1
Understand the procedure. During an angiogram, a doctor injects a dye into a catheter that is inserted into one of the arteries leading to your heart, lungs, brain, arms, legs, or kidneys.^{[3]
X
Expert Source

Shervin Eshaghian, MD
Board Certified Cardiologist
Expert Interview. 26 June 2020.} This procedure helps doctors determine how well the blood is flowing to a certain area and it may also help them to detect potentially life-threatening blockages.
- Your doctor may use a local or general anesthetic to perform an angiogram
- The procedure takes between 30 minutes and two hours.
- You may be able to return home soon after the procedure, as long as no blockages are detected.
- The procedure is safe and usually painless, but you might have some bruising around the area where the catheter was inserted.^{[4]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  National Health Service (UK)
  Public healthcare system of the UK
  Go to source}
2
Rest after the procedure. After your angiogram is over, you will have to stay in the hospital for several hours or possibly overnight. While you are in the hospital, your will be instructed to rest. Resting is important because too much movement may cause bleeding from where the catheter was inserted. Nurses will monitor your blood pressure and other vital signs while you recover from your angiogram.^{[5]
X
Research source
hhttps://www.heart.org/-/media/files/health-topics/answers-by-heart/what-is-a-coronary-angiogram.pdf}
- Limit your movement as much as possible. Stay in bed until you are told you may get up and walk. Do not walk around after an angiogram until your doctor says you may.
- You will be monitored for 6 hours after your procedure.^{[6]
  X
  Research source}
- Sometimes the catheter will be left in place and removed the following morning. If the catheter is in one of your legs, you will need to keep them elevated.^{[7]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  National Health Service (UK)
  Public healthcare system of the UK
  Go to source}
Advertisement
3
Take any medications your physician prescribes. You may not need any medication if no blockage was detected. If a blockage was detected, you may need to take a blood thinner for about a year after your procedure. Make sure to follow your doctor's instructions and take your medication every day. Do not stop taking your medication without consulting your doctor first.^{[8]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Heart Association
Leading nonprofit that funds medical research and public education
Go to source}
4
Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any unusual side effects. An angiogram is usually a safe procedure with minimal complications. If you experience any unusual side effects after having an angioplasty, you should tell your doctor or a nurse right away. Some side effects need to be treated right away to avoid a life-threatening situation. Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you notice:^{[9]
X
Research source}
- Excessive bleeding from the place that the catheter was inserted. A little bit of blood after an angiogram is normal, but there may be a problem if the blood can't be stopped with a small bandage.
- Pain, swelling, or redness where the catheter was inserted. You may have a bit of pain after an angiogram, but there may be a problem if the catheter site is very painful or if you also have swelling and/or redness.^{[10]
  X
  Research source}
5
Wait for the results of your angiogram. After your angiogram is complete, your doctor will review your results and will share them with you the same day or soon after in a follow-up office visit.^{[11]
X
Research source} Try to relax and remain patient as you wait for your results.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Recovering After Returning Home

1
Ask a friend or family member to stay with you for your first night home. You are at the highest risk of having complications your first night home after your procedure. If you live with other people, you will not need to worry about asking someone to stay with you. If you live alone, you should ask a friend or family member to stay with you for your first night back home.^{[12]
X
Trustworthy Source
National Health Service (UK)
Public healthcare system of the UK
Go to source}
2
Rest when you return home. After you return home from the hospital, you will need to continue resting for about a week. If you also had a heart attack or other serious complication, you will need to rest even longer. Plan to take at least a few days off from work to recover from your procedure.^{[13]
X
Research source}
- Avoid walking up stairs for the first couple of days after the angiogram if the catheter was inserted into your groin area.^{[14]
  X
  Research source}
- Avoid any heavy lifting or other strenuous activities for at least 24 hours. Ask your doctor when it will be okay to resume these activities again.
- You may not be allowed to drive for up to a week after your procedure. Professional drivers may need to get medical approval before they can return to work.^{[15]
  X
  Research source}
- Wait 24 hours before showering.^{[16]
  X
  Research source}
3
Drink plenty of water. Since dye is injected into your artery during an angiogram, you will need to drink plenty of water after the procedure in order to flush the dye from your system.Adults should drink between six and eight cups of water per day, but you may need more or less depending on your body weight and health.^{[17]
X
Research source}
4
Continue taking your prescribed medication. If your doctor has prescribed you a medication for a condition that was detected and/or treated during your angiogram, you should continue to take this medication after leaving the hospital. Make sure that you understand the dosage instructions and contact your doctor if you have any concerns or questions about the medication. Do not stop taking your medication without consulting your doctor first.^{[18]
X
Trustworthy Source
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Research and education center within the National Institutes of Health
Go to source}
5
Use an ice pack on the catheter site to relieve pain and swelling. You may have some minor pain and/or swelling for the first few days after your procedure and you can use an ice pack to help relieve the pain and bring the swelling down a bit. Wrap a thin towel around an ice pack or a plastic bag filled with ice and apply the ice pack to your catheter site. Do not use the ice pack for more than 20 minutes at a time.^{[19]
X
Research source}
- If the pain and/or swelling worsens or does not improve, call your doctor as soon as possible.
- Applying pressure with an ice pack may also help to control any light bleeding that you are still having. However, if your bleeding is more than light and does not seem to be slowing down, then call your doctor right away.
6
Try taking an over-the-counter pain reliever. Ice will help with pain, but it may not completely relieve your pain. If you are still having pain at the site of your angiogram even with the use of an ice pack, then you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen. Follow the package instructions for dosage or ask your doctor for a recommendation.^{[20]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
7
Follow your doctor's instructions to care for your wound. Make sure that you understand and follow your doctor's instructions for care of your wound. You may be advised to avoid showering for the first two days after your procedure. Ask your doctor if you have any concerns about how to care for your wound.^{[21]
X
Research source}
8
Call your doctor if you have any concerns about your wound. In general, you may have cause to worry if the site begins to bleed, looks infected, or shows new bruising. Contact your doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms:^{[22]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- Increased pain or discomfort around the wound
- Signs of infection, such as redness, drainage or fever
- Any changes in temperature or color of the leg or arm that was used for the procedure
- Bleeding that continues after you have applied 2-3 fingers pressure to the puncture site for 15 minutes^{[23]
  X
  Research source}
- A "golf ball" size lump or bruise over the puncture site area
- Feeling faint, weak, lightheaded, dizzy or clammy^{[24]
  X
  Research source}
- Any chest pain or shortness of breath

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Staying Healthy After an Angiogram

1
Talk to your doctor about appropriate lifestyle changes.^{[25]
X
Expert Source

Shervin Eshaghian, MD
Board Certified Cardiologist
Expert Interview. 26 June 2020.} Depending on the reason for your angiogram, you may need to make certain lifestyle changes to get and stay healthy. Talk to your doctor about specific changes that you should make.^{[26]
X
Trustworthy Source
Michigan Medicine
The University of Michigan's medical center, which provides patient care, supports research, and educates the public on health topics
Go to source} Often, people have angiograms because of coronary artery disease (CAD). If this is the reason for your angiogram, talk with your doctor about the lifestyle changes you should to make. In general, these lifestyle changes include:^{[27]
X
Research source}
- Quitting smoking (if you are a smoker)
- Getting regular exercise
- Losing weight (if you are overweight)
- Reducing stress
2
Continue taking all medications your doctor prescribes. Your doctor may prescribe blood thinners or even just recommend that you take a small dose of aspirin every day. Whatever your doctor has prescribed or recommended, make sure that you understand the dosage instructions and contact your doctor if you have any concerns or questions about the medication. Do not stop taking your medication without consulting your doctor first.^{[28]
X
Trustworthy Source
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Research and education center within the National Institutes of Health
Go to source}
3
Consider enrolling in an outpatient cardiac rehabilitation program. These can help you learn how to develop an exercise program, follow a heart healthy diet, reduce stress, and even help you to quit smoking. Your insurance will most likely cover the cost of a cardiac rehab program.^{[29]
X
Trustworthy Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}^{[30]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Heart Association
Leading nonprofit that funds medical research and public education
Go to source} Ask your doctor for recommendations on a cardiac rehab program in your area.

Expert Q&A

Question

How do I recover from an angiogram?

Chris M. Matsko, MD
Family Medicine Physician
Dr. Chris M. Matsko is a retired physician based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With over 25 years of medical research experience, Dr. Matsko was awarded the Pittsburgh Cornell University Leadership Award for Excellence. He holds a BS in Nutritional Science from Cornell University and an MD from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007. Dr. Matsko earned a Research Writing Certification from the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) in 2016 and a Medical Writing & Editing Certification from the University of Chicago in 2017.

Chris M. Matsko, MD

Family Medicine Physician

Expert Answer

You will want to take it slow. You may have to stay overnight in the hospital and be monitored for a day. Minimize physical activity, and you want to make sure that you take your medications as prescribed.
Question

How soon after an angiogram with two stents can I resume bowling?

Chris M. Matsko, MD
Family Medicine Physician
Dr. Chris M. Matsko is a retired physician based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With over 25 years of medical research experience, Dr. Matsko was awarded the Pittsburgh Cornell University Leadership Award for Excellence. He holds a BS in Nutritional Science from Cornell University and an MD from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007. Dr. Matsko earned a Research Writing Certification from the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) in 2016 and a Medical Writing & Editing Certification from the University of Chicago in 2017.

Chris M. Matsko, MD

Family Medicine Physician

Expert Answer

I would wait a week or two until to resume physical activity. The catheter site is very sensitive and can bleed if not properly taken care of. If you had the the catheter through the IVC, make sure that you keep pressure on the site to prevent bleeding. Talk with you doctor about returning to bowling as they feel appropriate.

Warnings

If you experience shortness of breath, chest pain, trouble breathing, loss of consciousness, or if you begin coughing up blood, call 911 or go to an emergency room immediately.^{[31]
X
Research source}

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Call 911 immediately if you have symptoms of a heart attack. Symptoms of a heart attack include chest pain, sweating, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting pain (in the jaw, neck, back, shoulders, arms, or upper stomach), weakness, light headedness, or a fast/irregular heartbeat.^{[32]
X
Research source}

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0