The following are instructions from the physician for care after an angiogram.
The Day of the Angiogram
Activity:
- Light activity
- No heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 2 days
Diet and Medications:
- Increase your fluid intake.
- If you have kidney disease or congestive heart failure, check with your primary doctor first.
- Resume your usual diet and medications unless instructed otherwise.
Bathing:
- You may shower.
- No tub or jacuzzi baths for 10 days.
Dressing:
The Day After the Angiogram
Activity:
- Gradually increase activity.
- You may return to work if you do non-strenuous activities.
- Avoid heavy lifting or exercise.
Care of Puncture Site:
- You may shower.
- After showering, gently pat area dry around puncture site.
- Place a Band-Aid over the puncture site.
- Keep clean and dry.
- Apply a clean Band-Aid until the area is healed.
Second Day after the Angiogram
Activity:
- Resume usual activities.
- Return to work unless otherwise instructed.
- Avoid strenuous exercise of excessive bending at the groin.
Warning Signs
If any of the following symptoms occur, call your physician or the Interventional Radiology department at St. Joseph Hospital at 714-771-8000 ext. 17865. Or, go immediately to the St. Joseph Hospital Emergency Department. If you experience a life-threatening emergency, call 911.
- Pain, numbness, coolness or weakness in your leg.
- Redness, swelling or bleeding at the puncture site.
- Bloody drainage that leaks around or soaks through the Band-Aid dressing.
- Green or yellow drainage from the puncture site.
- Temperature higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Future Appointments and Treatment
- Please contact your referring physician for a follow-up appointment to discuss the results of your angiogram.
- If unable to contact your referring physician, please call the Interventional Radiologist in the Interventional Radiology department at 714-771-8000, ext. 17865.