Angiogram

[Potatohead123]

Hi all this is my 2nd posting. After being diagnosed with fast fib and tachycardia (SVT)

and going on flecainide and bisoprolol, with an echogram showing no problems, cardiologist wants me to do a radial angiogram on 17/03. I am terrified and can't stop thinking about all the serious things that can go wrong, not only on the day, but for weeks after. He said it wasn't essential but would rule out any other problems. Has anyone else had to do this. Am thinking of cancelling it. Any advice would be good, I really rate the comments from everyone. Thanks

[Hidden]

Hello there - sorry to hear you're feeling anxious about your angiogram. It's an incredibly common procedure now and risks are usually very minimal. We have some information on our website and there's also a short video you can watch: bhf.org.uk/heart-health/tes...

Hope this helps,

Chris

[Mary_Janet]

Hi

I had an angiogram last year in May for a different reason, as part of my preoperative assessment. I too was very apprehensive but both the ward staff (i was an inpatient) and other patients were very reassuring before I went down to the cardiac department. When I went into the department the staff were great and explained everything. The first few minutes involves setting things up and making sure you are comfortable. I was offered sedation and after discussion I took it. The procedure did not hurt apart from the local anaesthetic going in, that feels like a bee sting, the rest was a bit uncomfortable. Mine took extra time apparently as it was complicated. I could watch it on the big screen but because of the sedation was a bit sleepy. After the procedure I was on bed rest for a couple of hours, can't remember how long for, and had a pressure bandage on my wrist , they gradually released the pressure .I can't remember what I was allowed up sorry. I was fine the next day but a bit weary.

I hope that you are ok and that all goes well. I think everyone is anxious when they are going for tests like angios and waiting for results. Having cardiac problems is very scarey but you will get great support on this site. Having tests is not fun but it is best to find out what problem is causing your symptoms so you can get the right treatment so that you can manage your condition and feel better. Try not to look at Dr Google as it will just terrify you and if you are like me you will only read the bad parts and complications.

Look after yourself and keep in touch

Mary

[Potatohead123 in reply to Mary_Janet]

Dear Mary thankyou so much for your comments. I'm sure I m being over concerned, but that's just me. I was the same when I went for a new hip 18 months ago. I think as I get older I worry more. I'm 78 but very active.

[Zimmies]

Hi I too was very anxious about an angiogram but I can honestly say it turned out to be a really easy procedure. I thought I would feel the dye etc. but felt nothing. The X-rays took about 10 minutes, then I had to lay still for 1 hour and then had to sit up and had short walks for another hour. You take it easy for 24 hours and then back to normal. Hope this helps to reassure you.

[Potatohead123 in reply to Zimmies]

Dear Zimmies, I appreciate your comments, I'm feeling quite well at the moment, all this is new to me, but I hate invasive procedures anyway. God willing all will be ok. Thankyou for reassurances.

[stevejb1810]

A radial angiogram just means that the catheter goes in via the radial artery in your wrist (as opposed to a femoral angiogram which goes in through the groin). The radial is supposed to be the safer route. I found my radial angiogram to uncomfortable at the wrist, but not painful - you are given a local and there is other pain relief available should you need it. While it carries some risks, these are very small. This really is a very common and routine procedure now It is also an interesting to watch - you can see it all on the screens in the lab. It takes about 30 minutes - you will need someone to look after you for 24 hours and you cannot drive for those 24 hours, but that is about the extent of it.

As for whether or not you cancel, it really is your call, but it is the best way to determine if you have coronary heart disease and the sooner you know the sooner you can get the right treatment.

Steve

[Potatohead123 in reply to stevejb1810]

Hi Steve thank you for taking time to give me your comments. Yes I expect that I will go ahead, as I need the reassurance it will hopefully give. I would like to watch , butbwill definately opt for sedation. Again thanks for your time.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

I found this a relatively easy procedure. Mine took a little longer as I was told my heart was slightly displaced which is common in taller people. Like others have said just a bee sting for the local anaesthetic and a slightly strange sensation as the dye went in that faded by the elbow. I elected not to have sedation as I had it when they put a plate in after breaking my femur (had an epidural). The sedative made me feel slightly drunk (the surgeon said I was slurring my words) and gave me a headache afterwards.

Yes there are minimal risks but remember you will be in a hospital where they have massive backup. It could be much worse if you remained undiagnosed and collapsed out shopping!

[Potatohead123 in reply to MichaelJH]

Hi Michael again thanks for your time to comment. I am also quite tall so hope I don't have any probs. Your last para is spot on, although the cardiologist decided to do the angiogram even though he said he didn't expect any problems, it was an add on at the end of the consultation, a sort of - we might as well do it. I thought there would be a long wait so was not expecting to do it so quickly, unless he knows something I don't. Anyway I will post everyone know how I get on. Thanks again.