Angiography - What to Expect

If you have any enquiries, before you come for your appointment, please call us on the telephone number indicated on the dedicated unit page in the  'Locate a Centre' section of our website, our reception staff will be pleased to help. On the day of your Angiogram, you will also meet the radiographers and nurses who will look after you during the examination. When completed the results will be interpreted by a cardiologist and forwarded to your referring doctor.

Before your Appointment

You should get instructions from your local hospital/doctor about what you need to do. The sort of instructions may include:

If you take warfarin, you will need to stop this for 2-3 days before the test. (To prevent excessive bleeding where the catheter is inserted).

If you take insulin or drugs for diabetes, the timing of when to take these on the day of the test may need to be clarified.

If you may be pregnant, you need to tell the doctor who will do the test.

You may be asked to stop eating and drinking for a few hours before the test.

You will have to sign a consent form at some point before the test to confirm that you understand the procedure, and agree to the procedure being done.

If you need help because you speak a different language, please let us know when you book your appointment.

On Arrival

On arrival one of our staff will explain the procedure to you, run through a simple safety questionnaire and answer any further questions you may have.

You will be prepared for the examination, a member of staff will be with you all the time, if you have any questions or are unsure about anything please talk to the nurses or clinicians caring for you.