Patient Preparation for Coronary Angiogram Test

People have a coronary angiogram performed when they may be experiencing heart problems. Such problems may include unexplained pain in their chest, heart failure or a heart valve problem. The examination is done by using a contrast material or dye and X-rays to view how the blood flows around your heart.
You should take a few precautions, and your doctor must know certain information about you before the test can be administered.

Food Consumption and Medication Intake

• Avoid eating any food after midnight before the exam is administered. Bring any medications that you may take with you to the doctor's office. Make sure that the medications are in their original packaging and bottle. Before taking your normal morning dosage of any medication that you may take, get permission from your doctor. Get permission also from your doctor on taking insulin, if you are a diabetic.

Discussions with Your Doctor

• Pregnant women should let their doctors know before the examination. Radiation is not good for pregnancy because it leads to birth defects. Inform your doctor also if you are breastfeeding.
  Men should let their doctor know if they are taking Viagra. Also, let your doctor know if you are allergic to seafood, iodine, or dye. Inform your doctor if you are allergic to medications, latex or anesthetics.

  Other information your doctor should be aware of includes whether you have kidney failure, heart valve disease, or a history of bleeding disorders. Also, let your doctor know if you have piercings on your chest or stomach.

Other Preparation

• Pack clothes and other personal belongings in case you will need to stay overnight. Ask your doctor about other things that you need to bring. Be prepared to sign a consent form the day of the test. Plan to have someone pick you up after the procedure, because a sedative is administered before the test.