Coronary Angiogram Anxiety

Hello all, I'm due to have a coronary angiogram next Wednesday and I am so so nervous. I suffer from major anxiety especially involving hospitals/needles etc (probably sound like a right wimp) but it's an actual fear for me and so I am looking for reassurance from others who have had an angiogram because since being given the... what could potentially go wrong...details it's made my anxiety a thousand times worse 😱

[ChoochSiesta]

I have had 2. There will be a team of doctors and nurses all running around doing what they need to do. They have the hard job. You can do your bit by just relaxing as much as you can and let the experts do their job. Stay cool, it's cold in there anyway.

[Griff-64]

I used to have a fear of everything once, needles would nearly make me faint.I had a coronary angiogram a few years ago and to be honest, the fear of the unknown was far worse than the procedure, I was too busy watching and listening to the team and it was over far sooner than I expected.

I'd be surprised if you get many, if any negative comments about it here.

Good luck 👍

[Hidden]

Hi Ally, there is absolutely no need to worry! I had an angiogram end of February as I had a Mild HA and chest pain and they wanted to see what was going on. I suppose I had no time to be anxious because it all happened so quick but believe it from me it is painless ! They offer you a sedative if you want it. I did ! Diazepam was given. I didn’t even feel the needle going in or anything to be honest during the procedure. There was a big tv which the surgeons were looking at but I chose not to look until afterwards as a recording. The only discomfort I felt was for a few hours after was until the plastic clamp on my wrist was slowly opened then removed. This was slowly released about every hour. I had some bruising to my wrist but my arms are very skinny so that was likely! Honestly before you know it it’s all over! It was really interesting to see what they did afterwards. I was given the choice to see the before and after! It was definitely worth it for me! I wouldn’t have lasted much longer. I feel back to normal physically now. You will be fine! My husband bought me a T shirt saying Bionic Heart on it!!! Good luck x

[Hidden]

Dear Ally2212

I shall use the stupid line on you, “do not worry” as I know it will have no effect on your anxiety levels at all. But what may help is if I add to your other answers my experience of having the procedure of an angiogram done.

Please don't be fooled by the conveyor belt system that most hospitals use, this is just so that they can maximise there theatre time and no way reflex that you will be treated as an individual.

The first thing to really think about is the information that they can gleam from the procedure and what effect that will have on your diagnosis and further treatments, if needed.

Then just relax if possible and realise that the others around you are going to have either the same or similar procedures as you and also may have doubts and worries, talk to them.

I also opted for a sedative {remember that you cannot drive after it and need to have a lift home} and I was informed every step of the way to what was happening or what was about to, if you don’t want to know then just tell your nurse.

I can honestly report that other a bit of pushing , I felt nothing and as others have said, taking the pressure clip off was the only sore part of the whole thing.

Chatting with others they seemed to have the same if not similar experience as me, one of my fellow patients was even physically sick before he went in , he was that worried but he sailed through it fine.

I can’t sugar coat the experience for you, its odd, it’s unusual and I found it extremely interesting.

Now I can tell you “ do not worry “ as I hope that my words are a small comfort to you.

Take care and please keep us informed.

[Classicfan49]

I’ve had two. If I need another I shan’t worry at all. I found it practically pain free, just a tiny prick from a needle going in. The uncomfortable bit was when the needle was removed afterwards and some large nurse had to put pressure on for a few minutes to make sure it didn’t bleed. She certainly did it with enthusiasm!

[Hidden]

I'd probably be pushing up the daisies now if I hadn't had an angioplasty last year.....or struggling with every day life due to angina pains.As it is I've just attended a Fitsteps class and I'm going out for a walk on the cliff tops this afternoon to watch the gannets and puffins.

Focus on the positive effects angioplasty will have on your life not the half hour you will spend in the Cath Lab.

There is that much going on whilst your procedure is being done it will be over in a flash.....you see no needles, no blood no nothing......if you wish you can watch what's happening around your heart on a TV monitor, it's quite amazing.

There'll be members of the team chatting to you and continually asking if you're ok.

As someone else mentioned the most uncomfortable bit is the inflatable pressure dressing on your wrist and that's taken off half an hour after the procedure.

As I said focus on the outcome not on the procedure.

[Shar28]

That’s exactly how my husband felt when he had to have one! He’s gets very anxious just thinking about anything medical. He was admitted to hospital as an emergency and undergoing several tests, so very anxious anyway. Everyone there, patients and staff, said how they’d had one and thinking about it beforehand was far far worse than the actual procedure. My husband now says the same to anyone else who asks him. In fact, he found it fascinating, watching the screen and chatting with the doctor & nurses.

The important thing is to tell the staff how you’re feeling so they can look after you appropriately, offering you sedation and support. Many people need support for anxiety so you’re not alone in feeling this way and the staff are accustomed to it.

Best wishes to you and your loved ones.

[Hidden]

Hello

I suffer with anxiety to the stage where it takes over every moment of my life

I then needed an Angiogram and have to be honest the first time they tried was when I was in Hospital having had a heart attack but they had to abort doing one because the state I was in they said it would be to dangerous and when I say this I was in this state just been taken down and waiting they had not even touched me !

Anyway I came home on meds that they thought would be ok but I went on to have another heart attack and when discharged again I was told an angiogram was needed

So it was arranged

They knew this time just how bad my anxiety was and I would advise you to let them know how yours is and after I had it done I felt rather silly as there was really not that much to it at all and that is really saying something coming from someone like me

Of course I was still anxious but the Nurses were so reassuring so kind and tried to put me at ease the best they could

I had sedation which does not knock you out but makes you feel like you have had a couple of your favourite tipples ( which is not a bad feeling )

The room is rather cold but other than that I looked the other way the Nurses talked to me all the time and before I knew it they were putting me in the recovery bay and giving me some toast and tea and it was done

Now I would not jump for joy if I had to have another one but I would not be afraid either

I think it is the fear of the unknown that gets to us the most and the actual procedure is not as bad as we let our minds make it

If I can do it and have one done I can 100% reassure you that you will to

You will be ok and remember this is something that is going to tell them if there is anything needs to be done which we need to know so see it as a positive

Let us know how you get on , you can do this x

[sb100]

Try not to be anxious as it isn’t as bad as you might think. I would opt for the sedative - I didn’t but would have it next time! It’s not really painful, more uncomfortable I would say (like a dull ache). And try to watch the screen as it is fascinating tbh. Good luck!

[sickandsore]

I’m also about to go for the same procedure, but first I have an appointment at St Mary’s in London for a stress echocardiogram. I’ve been told I will possibly have a stent during my angiogram but I’m taking part in a research programme to see if these are of any value for angina. So it may mean I end up have two procedures quite quickly!! It’s been reassuring reading the replies you have had from all these lovely people with experience of the procedure. 😊 all the best x

[Ada-eve in reply to sickandsore]

hi sickandsore was intrested in your reply as i was asked to take part in the same trial ,i was curious toknow how long you have been waiting to start? I had my angiogram in february and was contacted by st georges 1st march who said it would be in next couple of weeks after looking into it i decided against due to the possibilty of it being done twice if on the first time a stent wasnt fitted. Its now May and no further communication apart from im on waiting list.Just wondered if i agreed to take part something would have been done by now !

[sickandsore in reply to Ada-eve]

Hi yeah mines getting done fairly soon, I’m going up to St Mary’s for a few tests end of this month, though they would’ve done it next week if I could take time off! The actual procedure I’ve been told is going to happen beginning June , then I’m to go to London again after 12 weeks of filling out the daily app, I will find out if I’ve had a stent or not, so yeah tbh I think there’s benefits to the trial in that you do get seen quicker and I agree the only concern would be possibly having two procedures, it’s a gamble I’m willing to take, as I’m fairly interested in research and like ho help out if I can.

[Boxroad]

I had one last year, I was worried like you but my worries were soon put at ease once I arrived at Basildon coronary centre. I had no pain, I didn’t feel any injection given, the staff were wonderful they treated me and everyone else there with the upmost respect you will be fine.

[Hidden in reply to Boxroad]

Had a TOE at Basildon best cardio treatment I have ever had from the team there

[Passes]

I’ve had three now the last one was last week I’m a very nervous person especially with hospitals, this time I asked for sedation and I can honestly say I don’t really remember anything apart from the consultant saying it was done so worth asking for it

[Zundap]

Ally the hospitals carry these out all the time and are very experienced at doing it. It is likely that they will put a canula into your left arm to be able to inject any drugs (if needed) then put another into your right wrist artery. When you are on the the table your right arm will be strapped to a board as this is where the wires are put into the heart. You can elect to be put under but they would rather you were not so they can keep monitoring your vital signs and talking to you. It is cold in the theatre so ask for a blanket to cover your shoulders. At the Harefield they put the blankets into a oven to warm them up before putting them in your shoulders. I found it fascinating that you could look into your heart and see the workings of the arteries. As others have mentioned they put a balloon cuff on your wrist when it is finished and lower the pressure in it over time whilst checking to see if the artery has closed up. They give you a cup of tea and a sandwich so they can check that you can swallow after the procedure. Good luck it will be fine.

[Putterguy]

Ally, I had an angiogram when I was first diagnosed. I was really anxious about it. When I went down I spoke to the Doctor who was really good with me. He said I’ll talk you through everything I’m doing and if you want to you can see the what I can see on the screens above. So he talked me through it but obviously the conversation was a few seconds delay as he did his work. He was telling me what he was finding as he went, I felt absolutely nothing. No discomfort no pain nothing. As he was talking about what he was finding he said right that’s it well done. Please try not to be anxious. Fortunately I already had a cannula in from when I went in so didn’t have to have that inserted. You really won’t feel anything once your down there. If you are anxious speak to the doctors and nurses, they really do make you feel relaxed.

[Xtorti0n]

Hi Ally,

I had an angiograph a couple of years ago, relaying the experience here....

I was not exactly peachy at the prospect of it (who would be ?!). Come the day I was ok.

Checked in on the ward fine. They do this procedure in batches - you'll have fellow patients to chat to which really helps.

When it was finally my turn I was bricking it. Suddenly the staff talking to me - so many distractions that I did not notice all the stuff that had raised my anxiety.

The procedure took about 10-15 mins.

Back on the ward I felt like "Why oh why did I get myself into such a stew about this?!" It was quick with such supportive staff (big shout out to the NHS staff - they are awesome!!).

The weight of the world was off my shoulders so quickly.

You'll be fine. We all have our unique take on this procedure (before, during, after), but, as many will attest, it's not as scary as we build it up to be.

Trust the staff, trust your own resolve and all will be well. 🙂

Sam

[Skylajean]

I have had 5 in all, please believe me when i say there is nothing to it. They are not painful maybe a little uncomfortable (i have a low pain threshold) i do not dread them now at all. When things go wrong with my body and i can tell when its not right i think an angiogram is the only way to see what is going on inside you. To have the reassurance of the result is better than worrying. Dont worry

[Raylpa]

Hello AllyI have had this procedure on two occasions, nothing to worry about. Statistically this is a very safe procedure. You will be offered a pre med to take all the anxiety aware. If you don’t already practice mediative breathing for relaxing google it now as it’s a great resource.

[timontrak]

Hi Ally. I too was a bit nervous prior to my coronary angiogram. I explained this to the nurse when I went in to the room, and they offered me a mild sedative, which made me much calmer during the procedure. Hope all goes well for you.

[Basilsmum1973]

You do not sound like a wimp at all!! I was anxious before mine because I wanted to keep my undies on - we all have something we worry about. But, the actual angiogram itself for me was nothing at all to worry about - it is like a well oiled machine or a much performed ballet! Everyone knows what they are doing and when to do it and they are all so calm and well rehearsed it is massively reassuring - I was so chilled I was almost snoozing. I felt nothing - no pain or discomfort at all - and other than a rather attractive bruise on my wrist I would not have known it had been done

[coop61]

Hi I am also going for angio but I am having it done as a scan. I don’t know if that’s a option for you

[Hidden in reply to coop61]

I have already had the angiogram scan, the angriogram I'm due to have it following om from that as the scan detected some blockages and disease so they need to the angiogram no to get a closer look at my heart x good luck with yours x

[Harefieldfan]

Hi. I’ve had three angiograms — angioplasties actually. They gave me a local anaesthetic and the choice of sedation during the procedure. It was ok and after the third angioplasty they got the stent in. No pain. Intravenous morphine. Then you’ll spend several hours in bed while it all settles. Best wishes! Go for the sedation!

[simplysal]

I remember feeling the exact way you’re feeling now in the run up to my angiogram last November.

It was a week before my 45th birthday and it’s fair to say I was having kittens over it.

I felt scared, to the point of not wanting to go at all. At the same time, realised I had to as the alternative could be so much worse.

I reached out here seeking words of reassurance and comfort in the exact way you have done. And like you, I received so much reassurance, it at the very least made me think “perhaps it might be manageable for me”.

On the day of, didn’t think my legs would carry me in. I felt it helpful to break it into smaller chunks. Said to myself “I’ll walk into the Unit, but I don’t have to go through with it. I just need to walk in”. Then when I was there said to myself “I’ll complete the paperwork, but I don’t have to stay” (seems ridiculous to think about it now). Then “I’ll speak to the Consultant but I can always walk out”. Signing the consent form was when a voice inside my head said “well you’re here now, reminding myself of all the comforting words others here had said and felt a resignation that of course, as much as I didn’t like it and recognised I was feeling both anxious and apprehensive, I of course was going to have to follow it through.

The staff in the department were so lovely. They expect you to be feeling nervous and anxious. Who wouldn’t be?

When I was wheeled in to the cath lab, I noticed lots of staff in the room. They place a drip in before going through. I hate them on the back of my hand. In fact I hate needles full stop. I asked her to place it on inside of elbow. I don’t like it there either but it had to go somewhere lol!

As the staff were milling around getting things ready, the nurse who had introduced herself to me prior put a little tiny bit of Midazolam through the drip. Not enough where you doze off or are unaware of your surroundings, but enough for you to feel more relaxed.

Procedure itself? A local anaesthetic was put into my wrist. Did it hurt? Felt like a pin prick. Was it nice? No. Was it more than manageable? Yes. Cardiologist waited a few mins for that to go nice and numb. The rest they do is NOT painful. Odd sensation to feel the wire go up and down my arm. But there was no pain. Just felt a little weird. Again, perfectly manageable.

There is a big screen to the side of you showing your inside. Did I feel brave enough to watch it? No way lol! Kudos to those that did ha! They found my main LAD artery was 90% blocked and said it would need stenting.

A moment of panic as I wasn’t expecting to hear that at 44yrs of age. Silly me for my naivety!

But the feeling of panic didn’t amount to anything as the Midazolam was no doubt preventing the ‘fight/flight’ reaction in my body.

Just recognised the “oh fook” and that was that.

I did notice when the balloon was inflated I did recognise a slight pain at the top towards the middle of my chest which lasted for about three seconds. On a pain scale from 0-10 where 0 is no pain and 10 is the worse pain, I’d rate it a two or three.

The rest of procedure was pain free.

I remember being wheeled back out thinking to myself “why did I get so worked up over that”. I also thought to myself “if I ever needed another one, I’ll remind myself to never feel anxious about it again, no need”. I also felt like a Titan, felt good that I’d been so brave! Almost like elation!

The thought of it will be so much worse than the event itself. Our mind likes to catastrophise and think the worst. I don’t know why we do it to ourselves.

But I’m sure like me, you’ll leave there thinking, that wasn’t bad at all!

Take comfort from all of our messages. We’ve been where you are and are now ‘on the other side’. You’ll get to where we are too and will then be in a position to reassure others in the way you’ve been reassured yourself.

Good luck, you’ve got this! Sal.

[RailRover]

Not a problem. Had 2 of them. Absolutely fascinating to watch on the screen while they are in there. My only problem was where they put the probe into me on the wrist was very sore throughout the procedure, so the second time I told them this and they deadened it a bit more which was fine.

[Qualipop]

Had two angograms; the first immediately after a heart attack when 2 stents were fitted didn't bother me in the least. I was given a sedative, got very annoyed that they wouldn't let me watch the procedure on the screens and was back in the recovery ward with tea and toast and a pressure bandage on my wrist before I knew it. I had to go back for a second one just over a month later and was panic stricken. NO idea why because they were both a doddle. For the second I had to be there by 9am and was back home an hour away by 1pm. Tell the nurses about your anxiety and they will give you enough sedative that you won't care. They are used to people being anxious. The only difficulty for me was having to lie flat on a metal trolley. I have extremely bad spinal pain

[fedupoffeelingtired]

I think it's natural to be nervous. But please don't worry. I was in hospital next to an 83 year old woman who made herself sick worrying about it. She went in before me and when she came back she said " I can't believe I made myself so ill it was so straight forward and the staff were fantastic. Don't worry about it at all you will be fine." She was right. They ended up saving my life after finding a 90% blockage in my LAD. 40 months later I'm still here to tell the tale

[jamestuart]

Hi i had one for the first time in February i was not Shaw what to expect it was nothing to worry about i think the worst thing was the entry wound it was sore for 2 weeks hope this helps.

[Leonardo1]

I had one in November last year - the thought of it freaked me out - but it was the first of many procedures culminating in OHS in December . It truthfully isn’t that bad - easy to say but I’ve had worse blood tests ! And I’m a phlebotomist!!

I practiced before it relaxation technics focusing on breathing and keeping my eyes closed . I had an mRi last week and it was super helpful as that although totally painless was freaky !! I closed my eyes and breathed and it was over before I knew it . Practice practice being restful going to your happy place and the procedure will be over before you know it . Good luck I promise it won’t anyway as bad as you think it’s going to be - and you’ll be eating custard creams and drinking tea post procedure super fast !!

The beat goes on ❤️

[Gus4]

I have had 5 , absolutely nothing for you to worry about . The unknown is what causes the anxiety but can assure you everyone is so reassuring and trying at all times to put you at ease 😀

[Chrissiemids]

Please dont worry, you are given happy drugs in theatre and you don't feel a thing. You feel great, not a worry in the world.Takes about 10 mins. I ask to watch the screen, it's fascinating. Occasionally you are asked to take a deep breath in And that's about it. Happy days. At the end of the day you will have a good picture of your hearts health.

[Puffin1963]

Hi Ally - it does sound scary having an angiogram , they have to tell you everything, but I look at it like this....I am probably more at risk crossing the A road near my house which I do alt least daily, or driving on the M way...and I don't tend to stress over this ! The procedure itself I found OK, most people walk in and walk out 20 minutes later , some, like me, need to be wheeled back to the bed because my body just completely relaxed ...was quite a nice feeling ! Good luck

[MWIC]

hi Ally2212 - I agree with all those who have already commented. I had an angiogram end of January and I can honestly say it’s nothing to worry about. I had no pain and hardly any discomfort at all and was waiting for it to kick in at some point snd it didn’t. I had a heart attack which was the reason for it and in having it discovered I had 2 arteries that were blocked. Not only did they discover this but also “ballooned” them (no stents) and in doing so resolved a serious problem so please try to relax and remember that this is a fantastic procedure that is not so intrusive and is sooo worth having - very best of luck with it

[Carealot]

I’m the same. I worry about everything and imagine the worst. My cardiologist personally came for me and walked me to the room. When I walked into this big room...it was big! I had a little panic inside. I saw the massive TV screen next to the bed so even I could see it. Everyone was waiting for me. Instruments everywhere. I suddenly felt small and vulnerable. I never did before but I wasn’t dressed in outdoor clothes, no shoes, older than the rest and retired...so, old relative to that lot. He introduced me to the team.I lay on table as instructed gently and he went through the process. Another little panic when he said his female colleague would do push the camera/probe through but there was no need. While I started talking with her, I hadn’t seen him put the sedation in. I never felt it. Then I found myself talking happy talk and he said it’s OK, it’s the gin talking. I laughed. While all that was going on, she had anaesthetised the wrist and was going for it. Never felt it at all. All the others paled into insignificance. I just enjoyed the ride..land believe it or not, I actually trusted them and most of all, I was reassured that something exploratory was going on inside. Yes, it gave me that reassurance...and it didn’t hurt. The screen was there and he guided her through the route and instructed at various intervals.

So, I really mean this...try and just go with the experience. It was very calming.

I really do get where you’re coming from but I got nothing but a sense of reassurance, calm and a real floaty, dreamlike feeling.

[Hidden]

Thank you to everyone who has commented so far, you really have put my mind at rest a little. I have that some have had stents or balloons fitted whilst having the angiogram but I do know that won't happen with me because the hospital that I'm having the angiogram at don't do stents so if I need either then I will be referred to a larger hospital in the Midlands who do that procedure but I feel a little less panicked now about the actual angiogram. I think it panicked me more when they tell you what 'could' happen x

[Hidden]

Thank you to everyone for your comforting comments, it ended up that I didn't have my angiogram last week as planned because my hubby tested positive for covid on the morning I was due to go into hospital so I have now got wait for another appointment and start it all over again 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️