What To Expect After Coronary Angiography

After coronary angiography, you will be moved to a special care area, where you will rest and be monitored for several hours or overnight. During this time, your movement will be limited to avoid bleeding from the site where the catheter was inserted. While you recover in this area, nurses will check your heart rate and blood pressure regularly and see if there is any bleeding from the tube insertion site.

A small bruise may develop on your arm, groin (upper thigh), or neck at the site where the catheter was inserted. That area may feel sore or tender for about a week. Be sure to let your doctor know if you develop problems such as:

• A constant or large amount of blood at the site that can't be stopped with a small bandage
• Unusual pain, swelling, redness, or other signs of infection at or near the insertion site

Talk to your doctor about whether you should avoid certain activities, such as heavy lifting, for a short time after the procedure.