Angiogram (cardiac catheterisation) Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, April 2009.
Answers to questions about angiogram (cardiac catheterisation)
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
- Is the angiogram procedure the same in children?
- What type of dye is used during an angiogram?
- Why do I need to stop taking aspirin before an angiogram?
Is the angiogram procedure the same in children?
The procedure is exactly the same but it's done under general anaesthesia.
Explanation
An angiogram is usually done under general anaesthesia in young children because it's important to remain still during the procedure and young children may get scared by the test and the setting. This means your child is asleep during the angiogram. Your child must not eat or drink for about six hours before a general anaesthetic. Often the procedure is planned for the morning, so that your child will only have to miss breakfast.
Further information
- The British Heart Foundation
08450 70 80 70
www.bhf.org.uk
Sources
- Dr Foster Heart Disease Guide. London: Vermilion. 2003:50
- What is cardiac catheterization? National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. www.nhlbi.nih.gov, accessed 7 April 2008
What type of dye is used during an angiogram?
The dye is called a contrast agent and usually contains iodine.
Explanation
The heart and blood vessels are difficult to see on X-ray images. Contrast agents (also known as contrast media or dye) are often used during the examination to highlight heart muscles and blood vessels, and make them easier to see.
The contrast dye used during an angiogram is usually iodine-based. Iodine-based contrast dyes are clear liquids and are usually excreted harmlessly in the urine or faeces. However, they carry a small risk of allergic reaction, so it's important to tell your doctor if you have any type of allergy, especially to seafood.
As the contrast dye reaches your heart, you may feel a warm, flushing sensation or a fluttery heartbeat. You may also feel a metallic taste in the mouth, light headedness, nausea, or itching. Usually these symptoms are mild and disappear quickly. However, it's a good idea to tell your nurse or doctor if you experience any of them.
Further information
- The British Heart Foundation
08450 70 80 70
www.bhf.org.uk
Sources
- Contrast agents. American Society of Radiologic Technologists. www.asrt.org, accessed 7 April 2008
Why do I need to stop taking aspirin before an angiogram?
Aspirin can increase your risk of bleeding during and after an angiogram.
Explanation
Aspirin is an anti-inflammatory painkiller and is widely used for pain relief and to reduce inflammation and temperature. It thins the blood so that it can flow better through narrowed blood vessels. But this also means that the blood does not clot easily when bleeding occurs.
Your doctor may have put you on a low-dose aspirin to help reduce your risk of heart attacks and strokes. But you may be asked to stop taking aspirin a few days before your angiogram to reduce your risk of bleeding during and immediately after the procedure.
If you are taking other anti-clotting medicines such as heparin or warfarin, you will have to stop these too. Your doctor will explain how to prepare for your angiogram and it's important that your follow his or her advice.
Further information
- The British Heart Foundation
08450 70 80 70
www.bhf.org.uk
Sources
- Joint Formulary Committee, British National Formulary. 55th ed. London: British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, 2008: 226
Related topics
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: April 2009.
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