The 7 Common Myths about Coronary Angiography

--Dr Akshay Mehta

Myth No.1 It is a risky procedure.

Fact : Although no invasive procedure is without risk, the risk of coronary angiography is very low (less than 1% chances of a major complication).

Myth No. 2. It is a painful procedure

Fact : Except for the pain of one local anesthetic injection (similar to the pain of a needle prick that one gets while giving blood for blood tests), it is a virtually painless procedure.

Myth No 3. It is done after making patient unconscious (under general anesthesia)

Fact : No, almost always it is under local anesthesia, by injecting a local anesthetic into the skin.

Myth No.4 . It cannot/should not be done immediately after a heart attack.

Fact : On the contrary, acute heart attack is one of the most important conditions where immediate angiography followed by immediate balloon angioplasty and stent implantation is highly beneficial, gratifying, effective and can prevent damage to a large part of the heart.

Myth No. 5. One has to take bed rest for a number of days after the procedure.

Fact : There is no need for this unless the underlying heart condition requires so. Angiography by itself does not necessitate more than a night’s rest

Myth No 6 If one undergoes angiography he/she should be also ready for immediate angioplasty or bypass surgery.

Fact : NO. If the patient’s condition is not acute or unstable, if the narrowing in the coronary artery is not critical or at a critical location, if the inconvenience of coming back again for angioplasty is acceptable and if there are other options for treatment (like bypass surgery or medications) that need consideration and discussion, the angioplasty or bypass surgery can be done later after a few days.

No 7. One has to stay in hospital overnight after the procedure.

Fact : Again no need, unless the procedure has been done late in the afternoon or evening, or insurance coverage rules requires a 24 hour stay. Usually after coronary angiography done through groin, about 8 to 10 hours rest in the hospital is sufficient. If done through the wrist, about 4 hours rest is enough.