Written By: Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | Updated : October 3, 2016 12:29 PM IST
If you have chest pain, difficulty in breathing or feeling of uneasiness, then it is the best thing to go to a doctor and get tested. And if the doctor suspects any heart problem or blockage in the heart, then he will recommend angiography to know the number and percentage of blockages. However, not many people know what to expect if they are planning to go for an angiography. We asked Dr Nilesh Gautam, Head of Department of Preventive Cardiology and Rehabilitation at the Asian Heart Institute to list some key points that every person should know before going in for an angiography. Here they are:
1. Most people ask about what medications one should stop having before going for an angiography. Well, it is advised that if you are diabetic and taking drugs, then you should stop it on the day of angiography. However, if you are taking blood-thinning medications, then it has to be taken.
2. If you are planning to go for an angiography, you need to fast for around two hours before the procedure. And hence, one should have a light breakfast on the day of angiography and not eat a heavy meal or breakfast.
3. Angiography usually takes around 15 20 minutes as it only involves detection of any clots in the heart, which block the blood flow. Hence, knowing about it might help you to be prepared for the procedure.
4. During the process, you will be given only local anaesthesia, which means that the patients are aware of what is happening unlike general anaesthesia, where you do not know what is being done. So take your time and let the doctor if you are not ready to undergo the procedure. Read more on what to expect during an angiography.
5. Once angiography is done and if the doctor s decision is to undergo angioplasty, then it is advised to do it in the same sitting (at that particular moment). This is because the tube is already inserted into the heart and only a wire has to be passed through the tube for angioplasty. In simple terms, angiography is the first step of angioplasty. Click to know more.
6. If, by any chance, the patient or the family member or relatives say no to undergo the procedure, then the tube is removed, the patient is sent home and asked to come back again. And then the tube is again put in the body, which means the patient has to go through the entire process again.
7. If the angiography is done through the hand, the patient is ready to go home in two hours. Currently, this is the most preferred option unlike earlier where the tube was inserted through the groin. However, if the tube is put into the groin area, then you will have to wait in the hospital for around six to eight hours. Also, read about angiography risks.
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