If you’ve recently had a coronary angiography, you might be wondering what comes next. This test helps doctors see if there are blockages in your heart’s arteries and whether you need further treatment for angina. It’s the chest pain that occurs when the heart doesn’t get enough oxygen-rich blood.
While getting the test results can feel like a big moment, managing angina is an ongoing process. The good news is that there are clear steps you can take to keep your heart as healthy as possible. Let’s walk through what to expect after the procedure and how you can manage your condition moving forward.
Recovering from the Procedure
Coronary angiography is usually a straightforward test, but your body still needs time to recover.
Immediate Aftercare
- You’ll be monitored for a few hours in the hospital to make sure there are no complications, especially if a catheter was inserted through the wrist or groin.
- You might have some bruising or soreness at the insertion site, this is normal and should improve within a few days.
- It’s important to take it easy for at least 24–48 hours after the procedure. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities during this time.
When to Seek Help
While complications are rare, call your doctor if you experience:
- Excessive bleeding or swelling at the catheter site
- Chest pain that doesn’t go away
- Shortness of breath or dizziness
Understanding Your Results
Your doctor will discuss the angiography results with you and explain what they mean for your heart health. Depending on what the test shows, the next steps could include medications, lifestyle changes, or procedures like angioplasty.
- No Significant Blockages? You might just need medication and lifestyle adjustments to manage angina.
- Mild to Moderate Blockages? Medication and monitoring could be enough, but further treatment may be discussed.
- Severe Blockages? Your doctor might recommend angioplasty with a stent or, in some cases, bypass surgery.
Understanding your results helps you make informed decisions about managing your angina.
Lifestyle Changes to Support Your Heart
Regardless of the angiography outcome, lifestyle changes are key to keeping your heart healthy. Here are a few areas to focus on:
1. Eating for Heart Health
- Reduce saturated fats and processed foods to help keep your arteries clear.
- Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to support overall heart function.
- Cut back on salt to help manage blood pressure.
2. Staying Active
- Gentle walks are a great way to start if you’re not used to regular exercise.
- Build up to at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling.
- Speak to your doctor about what’s safe for you, especially if you have ongoing chest pain.
3. Managing Stress
- Find small ways to relax, whether it’s through deep breathing, meditation, or just taking breaks from a busy schedule.
- Stress can trigger angina, so prioritising your mental well-being is just as important as physical health.
4. Quitting Smoking
- Smoking damages blood vessels and makes angina worse. Stopping can reduce the risk of further heart complications.
- If quitting feels difficult, consider support options such as nicotine replacement therapy or counselling.
Medications: What You Need to Know
Many people with angina take medication to manage symptoms and reduce the risk of heart attacks. Your doctor may prescribe:
- Nitrates (e.g., GTN spray or tablets) – Help relieve chest pain by widening blood vessels.
- Beta-blockers – Slow the heart rate and reduce the workload on the heart.
- Calcium channel blockers – Improve blood flow by relaxing blood vessels.
- Antiplatelet drugs (e.g., aspirin) – Help prevent blood clots that can worsen blockages.
- Statins – Lower cholesterol and reduce plaque build-up in arteries.
Taking medication as prescribed is crucial for managing angina and preventing complications. If you have concerns about side effects, don’t hesitate to discuss them with your doctor.
Will You Need Further Treatment?
If your angiography showed significant blockages, your doctor may recommend further intervention:
- Angioplasty and Stents – A small balloon is used to open a narrowed artery, and a stent (a tiny mesh tube) is placed to keep it open.
- Bypass Surgery – If multiple arteries are severely blocked, surgery might be needed to create a new path for blood flow.
Not everyone with angina will need a procedure, but for those who do, these treatments can help improve blood flow and reduce symptoms.
Taking Control of Your Heart Health
Angina can be managed, but it requires a team effort between you and your healthcare provider. Small, daily choices can make a big difference in how you feel and how well your heart functions.
At The Heart Doctors Clinic, we provide guidance and support to help you navigate life after coronary angiography. Whether it’s medication management, lifestyle advice, or discussing treatment options, we’re here to help.
Need support managing angina?
- Book a consultation to discuss your results and next steps.
- Get personalised advice on lifestyle changes and medications.
- Take control of your heart health today, and your future heart will thank you.
By staying informed and making steady changes, you can continue to live well while keeping your heart in check. Your health is in your hands, and every small step counts.
