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
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
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
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
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.
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
Quitting smoking (if you are a smoker) Getting regular exercise Losing weight (if you are overweight) Reducing stress
