During an angiography or angioplasty, a hollow tube, called a catheter, is inserted into a main blood vessel to diagnose and sometimes treat certain heart, coronary, and arterial problems. The procedure is done during a diagnostic cardiac catheterization, when an obstruction is identified, or it is scheduled after the catheterization has confirmed the presence of coronary artery disease. Undergoing this surgery can be scary, especially if it is performed in an emergency situation to locate a block. However, angiography is a routine procedure, usually safe and painless. If your doctor has decided to do it, it means it may be needed to save your life. Afterward, there are several things you can do to recover better. These include rest, medication and wound care. Read on to find out more.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Recovering in the hospital
Step 1. Read up on the procedure
During an angiography, the doctor injects a dye into the catheter that has been inserted into one of the arteries leading to the heart, lungs, brain, arms, legs, or kidneys. In this way, the doctor can determine how blood flows in certain areas and can spot potentially deadly obstructions.
- The surgeon may decide to have local or general anesthesia to undergo the procedure.
- The surgery lasts from 30 minutes to two hours.
- In some cases, it is possible to go home the same day if no obstructions have been identified.
- Angiography is safe and usually painless; however, you may have a bruise at the catheter insertion site.
Step 2. Rest after surgery
At the end of the exam, you will need to stay in the hospital for several hours or even overnight. During your stay you will be told to rest. This is very important because excessive movement can cause bleeding from the catheter insertion point. Nurses will check your blood pressure and other vital signs while you are hospitalized.
- Minimize movement as much as possible. Stay in bed until you are told you can get up and walk. Do not walk after angiography until your doctor gives you permission.
- You will be monitored for six hours after the procedure.
- Sometimes, the catheter is left in place and only removed the next morning. If it's on the inside of your leg, you need to keep it elevated.
Step 3. Take your prescribed medications
If there are no arterial blockages, you probably don't need medication. However, if there is an obstruction, you need to take anticoagulants for about a year after the angiography. Make sure you comply with medical directions and take your medications every day. Do not stop therapy without first consulting your doctor.
Step 4. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any strange effects
An angiography is usually a safe procedure that involves minimal complications. However, if you notice any abnormal reactions, you should immediately report them to the doctor or nurse. Some must be handled immediately, to prevent them from evolving into deadly situations. Call your doctor or nurse if you notice:
- Excessive bleeding where the catheter was inserted. A little blood loss is completely normal after an angiography; however, there may be problems if a little bandage isn't enough to stop it.
- Pain, swelling, or redness of the catheter insertion site. You may experience some pain after surgery, but if the spot is swollen, red, and very sore, it should be brought to the attention of the healthcare professional.
Step 5. Wait for the exam results
After the angiography, your doctor will read the results and share them with you the same day or soon after during your follow-up visit. Try to relax and be patient while you wait.
Part 2 of 3: Recovering after Returning Home
Step 1. Ask a friend or relative to stay with you the first night you spend at home
During this time, you run a high risk of complications. If you live with other people, you don't have to worry about asking someone to sleep with you. If you are alone, you should make sure that a friend or relative stays with you the first night.
Step 2. Rest when you get home
After discharge, you need to continue to rest for about a week. If you've had a heart attack or other serious complications, you'll have to wait even longer. Plan not to go to work for at least a few days while recovering.
- Do not climb stairs in the first two days after angiography if the catheter was inserted in the groin.
- Do not lift weights or do other strenuous activities for at least 24 hours. Ask your doctor when you can resume this kind of work.
- In some cases, the doctor advises against driving for a week after the angiography. People who drive for work may need a certificate of fitness before resuming their business.
- Wait 24 hours before taking a shower.
Step 3. Drink lots of water
Since dye is injected into the artery during the test, you need to drink plenty of water to get it out of your body. Adults should have six to eight glasses a day, but you may need different amounts based on your body weight and general health.
Step 4. Continue taking your medication
If your doctor has prescribed medications for the condition that was identified or treated during the exam, you should continue taking them after you leave the hospital. Make sure you understand the dosage and call your doctor if you have any doubts or concerns about it. Do not stop therapy without consulting him first.
Step 5. Apply an ice pack to relieve pain and swelling at the catheter insertion site
You may experience some pain or notice slight swelling in the first few days after the angiography. in this case, you can put the ice pack on to find some relief. Wrap the compress or ice-filled bag in a thin cloth and place it on the area where the catheter has entered the skin. Do not hold the ice pack for more than 20 minutes at a time.
- If the pain and / or swelling worsens or does not improve, call your doctor as soon as possible.
- By applying a little pressure on the cold pack you can control any slight bleeding still present. However, if the bleeding is more severe and doesn't seem to subside, go to the emergency room right away.
Step 6. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever
Ice is useful for controlling pain, but it doesn't completely eliminate it. If the place where the angiography catheter was inserted is still uncomfortable despite the cold pack, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen. Follow the instructions on the leaflet or ask your doctor for advice.
Step 7. Follow the doctor's instructions regarding the care you need to give to the wound
Make sure you understand them and respect them. You will be advised not to shower for the first two days after the angiography; also in this case, contact your doctor for any doubts or concerns.
Step 8. Contact your doctor if you have any doubts about the state of the wound
Generally speaking, you have reason to worry if the lesion starts bleeding, appears infected, or new bruises develop. Get in touch with your doctor right away if you notice any of the symptoms described here:
- Increased pain or discomfort around the wound
- Signs of infection such as redness, discharge or fever
- Any changes in temperature or color of the limb used for the procedure;
- Bleeding that does not stop after applying pressure with 2-3 fingers for 15 minutes;
- Presence of a golf ball-sized lump or hematoma on the wound area
- Feeling faint, dizzy, lightheaded, or clammy skin
- Any chest pain or difficulty in breathing.
Part 3 of 3: Staying healthy after Angiography
Step 1. Discuss appropriate lifestyle changes with your doctor
Depending on why you had to undergo angiography, you may need to make changes to your daily habits to keep you healthy. Talk to your doctor about what you need to do specifically. Often, people undergo this test because they have coronary artery disease. If this is also the case, discuss with your doctor what you need to change in your lifestyle; in general, it is recommended to:
- Quit smoking (if you are a smoker);
- Exercise regularly
- Lose weight (if you are overweight);
- Reduce Stress.
Step 2. Continue to take any medications your doctor prescribes
They may prescribe blood thinning therapy or simply advise you to take a small daily dose of aspirin. Whatever you are prescribed or suggested, make sure you understand the dosage instructions and do not hesitate to call your doctor if you have any concerns or concerns regarding medicines. Do not interrupt drug treatments without first consulting him.
Step 3. Consider enrolling in an outpatient rehabilitation program for heart patients
This way, you can learn how to develop a workout routine, diet to keep your heart healthy, reduce stress, and even quit smoking. These paths are not always covered by the National Health Service, so ask the relevant ASL for more details. Get your doctor for advice on a good program in your area.
Warnings
- If you complain of shortness of breath, chest pain, difficulty breathing, unconsciousness, or begin to cough up blood, call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately.
- Call an ambulance right away if you show symptoms of a heart attack. They include chest pain, sweating, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, pain in the jaw, neck, back, shoulders, arms, or upper abdomen, weakness, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, and / or arrhythmia.
