5 things to know about coronary angiograms and angioplasty

A coronary angiogram is a common procedure that can be done to look for blockages or narrowing of arteries due to a buildup of fatty material called plaque. It can also be used to open the arteries up in a procedure that’s an alternative to open-heart surgery.

“It’s extremely safe,” said Abdi Jama, MD, an interventional cardiologist with M Health Fairview. “It's the best test to definitively diagnose a blockage or coronary disease. The information we get from it is so valuable, so if your doctor recommends an angiogram, there’s good reason to do it.”

“It’s a super cool procedure that’s come a long way,” said Jenny Roedl, BSN, RN- PCS/ANS, a nurse with the M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital Heart Center. “People are often scared that it’s going to be painful and they’re going to have a long recovery, but it’s really quick.”

Jama and Roedl share five things to know about angiograms.

Angiograms are low-risk and minimally invasive

An angiogram is a minimally invasive procedure done by injecting a contrasting dye into your blood vessels, then using an x-ray to look for issues.

It’s a quick procedure done with a catheter, which is a long, thin tube that is inserted through a blood vessel in your wrist or groin. Your doctor will thread the thin tube to the location they want to check. You won’t feel that because there are no nerve endings in your vessels.

The procedure is done under conscious sedation, which leaves you completely relaxed, but able to breathe on your own. Your care team prioritizes your safety and comfort throughout the procedure that usually takes 20 to 30 minutes.

“The worst part is when we numb you up, just like when you’re having a dental procedure,” Roedl said. “We'll either numb up your wrist or your groin, which is like a pin prick."

After the procedure, you’ll rest in bed for a few hours before going home, either the same day or the next day. You’ll need someone to take you home and stay with you for 24 hours.