Coronary Angiogram test in Hull

What happens during an angiogram?

You can expect the test to last around half an hour, although it can sometimes take longer. You will need to lie flat for the procedure.

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• You will be asked not to eat or drink anything for a few hours before your procedure. Please let the nurse know if you have diabetes so they can look after you.

• You’ll be given a local anaesthetic injection in the wrist or groin, which numbs the area. The doctor will make a small cut and the catheter (a thin, flexible tube) will then be pushed into an artery.

• The catheter will be directed through your blood vessels and up to your heart. The doctors will use X-ray to help guide them to the arteries.

• A special dye will then be passed through the catheter and a series of images will be taken. It is very common to feel a hot, flushing sensation as the dye enters your bloodstream, but this is completely normal and only lasts for a few seconds. The dye will show up any narrowed areas or blockages in the artery on the X-ray photos.

• You will be awake and able to talk to the medical team throughout your procedure. You’ll be attached to a heart monitor that records your heart rate and rhythm and you’ll have a probe measuring your oxygen levels on your finger. If you feel unwell or uncomfortable at any time, you should tell a member of the hospital staff.

• If you are feeling very anxious about having this test, you can ask for a mild sedative to help you relax.