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What happened during this procedure?
During your coronary angiogram, a small hole was made in the artery going to the arm, which heals itself after the catheter is taken out.
How should I care for my wound at home?
Rest your arm on the day of procedure and avoid using your arm for the next 24 hours.
You may remove the dressing 24 hours after the procedure.
Will it hurt?
As the anaesthetic wears off you may feel some discomfort in your arm. Painkillers such as Paracetamol should help with this if needed.
You may find you have a small bruise around the site. This will fade over the next few days.
Should I limit my activities?
- Avoid hot showers for 24 hours and hot baths for 48 hours (hot water encourages bleeding).
- Do not lift any heavy objects or do anything that exerts pressure for up to a week.
- Do not drive for two to three days following your angiogram.
In general, patients find it more comfortable to take a few days off work after a coronary angiogram. If you have a manual job then we would advise that you take a week off work.
What should I look for?
In the highly unlikely situation of your wound starting to bleed use your thumb to press hard over the dressing. This should stop the bleeding in 10 minutes. Then keep your arm rested on a pillow for an hour.
If it does not stop bleeding in 10 minutes continue to press on the wound site and get your partner, or whoever is with you, to call the ambulance service using 999. Tell them that you are bleeding and that you have had a coronary angiogram.
What happens next?
A detailed report will be sent to your GP.
If the hospital Doctor would like you to be seen again in the outpatients clinic an appointment will be sent to you by post.
Feel free to chat to your nurse about any concerns you may have or any health questions.
Please see below for the Cardiac Care Unit contact details.
Contact details for the Cardiac Care Unit
If you have any concerns about your wound site, or specific to your cardiac procedure during your first week at home, please contact us.
For more general concerns, please contact your GP, or if it is an urgent health issue contact NHS 111 for advise or 999 for paramedic assistance.
This leaflet is intended for patients receiving care in Brighton & Hove or Haywards Heath.
The information in this leaflet is for guidance purposes only and is in no way intended to replace professional clinical advice by a qualified practitioner.