How to Prepare for an Angiogram

Angiograms allow doctors to take pictures of the inside of your blood vessels. These pictures will indicate if you have a blockage, a narrowing, or an occlusion (clog) in your vein or artery.

Things You'll Need

• Nail Polish Remover

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Instructions

• 1

  Ask your doctor questions to make sure you understand the purpose of this test, how long it will take, and what you will experience during the test.

• 2

  Tell your doctor and your nurses about any allergies you have. If you've had an angiogram before, tell them about any side effects you experienced.

• 3

  Sign a consent form. This gives your written acknowledgement that you understand the possible complications and side effects.

• 4

  Remove any nail polish the night before your procedure. This will allow the nurse to check the circulation in your nail beds during the test.

• 5

  Remove your jewelry.

• 6

  Don't eat or drink anything after 8 p.m. the night before the angiogram.

• 7

  Follow all pre-test instructions that you receive. If you are asked to take a laxative the night before the procedure, don't skip it just because you moved your bowels in the morning. Be sure to arrive on time.

• 8

  Ask someone to drive you to and from the hospital. You may feel light-headed or groggy after the test.

• 9

  Get plenty of rest the night before. Don't try to get a week's worth of work done in one day, simply so you'll be "all caught up" after your procedure.