Worried about having an angiogram

Nothing to worry about! It will be over before you realise.

Have you have one of these midgey?

I’ve had a couple. Slight discomfort when the needle is inserted ( as you would expect ) but after that nothing. I was able to watch the process on the screen. This probably won’t stop you being anxious but it’s really nothing to fear. 💐

Thanks Cressy. That’s quite reassuring. I’m a bit surprised it’s happened so quickly as I never imagined it would be before Christmas.

My sister has had angiogram and said it was fine.
I have echocardiograms eavh year and it's just an ultrasound scan.
Nothing to worry about at all.

My son had one earlier in the summer. Suspected heart attack. He said the same initial feeling if the needle going in after that ok. He had unstable angina doing great now.

I had one after having chest pains and shortage of breath. I was very worried but I was looked after very well.
It was a waste of time though it turned out I was having panic attacks. This was caused by water tablets I was taking for my blood pressure.
You will be fine with the procedure and will be looked after very well.

So many of us wear a Fitbit these days. I check my ECG on it about once a week. I find it useful when having a phone consultation with a doctor as well as giving them details of my resting heart rate. I have suffered panic attacks in the past and was sent an ambulance. I was so upset when the doctors found it was a panic attack. But they were very sympathetic and told me I wasn’t a nuisance and always best to check. The reassurance meant I never called them again but wouldn’t hesitate if worried.

I had one 4 years ago, I found it fascinating as you can watch the screen! Apart from the very initial needle, which wasn’t painful, it’s very straight forward.

I would agree with others who've written of their experiences. The staff will be very reassuring and will enable you to relax during the procedure.

I was advised that it’s important to rest and not be too active for a couple of days. Generally, I turn to the BHF website for advice on heart procedures. If you’re interested in the detail of an angiogram, here’s the link:-

www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/publications/tests-for-heart-conditions/angiogram---your-quick-guide

Good luck! ❤️

Thank you all for the reassurances and advice.

Thought I’d just follow this with an update.

Couldn’t fault the staff; wonderfully kind, efficient and reassuring. All went well until later that night….when I came out in an itchy rash. Even my ears and eyelids were red and I felt I wanted to gnaw my arm off.

Googled this and discovered it’s a reaction to the contrast dye and would die down in 2-7 days. I self prescribed antihistamine which helped a little but not much and I they made be drowsy so I kept nodding off.

After a week of scratching I gave in and rang GP who has prescribed steroids.

Happy New Year to all.

Thanks for update.

Good to know outcome of queries, but so often never hear any more.

Calendargirl

Thanks for update.

Good to know outcome of queries, but so often never hear any more.

Was sort of torn between feedback to all those who helped by reassuring me and who wants to know anyway!

My husband used to have a reaction to contrast dye too. I am glad things have settled down and ‘mission accomplished’ as it were. Happy new year!

midgey

My husband used to have a reaction to contrast dye too. I am glad things have settled down and ‘mission accomplished’ as it were. Happy new year!

Thank you