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After the procedure, your pulse and blood pressure will be recorded. A nurse will check for any bleeding from where the catheter (thin plastic tube) was inserted.

You will be asked to sit up after the test. If all is well, you should be able to get up and walk around after a couple of hours' rest. Tell the healthcare professionals treating you if you feel unwell at any time.

About four hours after your coronary angiography, one of your friends or a family member will be contacted to take you home.

Most people feel fine a day or so after the coronary angiography, although this can vary from person to person. Some people feel a bit tired after the test and the wound site is likely to be tender (painful) for up to a week. Bruising may last for two weeks.

Self-help advice

The following advice may help your recovery:

• Avoid hot baths for three or four days until the wound site has healed. You can still take a shower.
• Remove the plaster from your groin the day after the procedure. Gently clean the site with mild soap and water and dry before applying a new plaster. Change this daily until the skin heals.
• Contact your GP if you experience any redness at the wound site that is warm to touch, or if you have a high temperature (fever), rash, numbness or a pain in your leg when walking.
• Do not drive for 24 hours.
• Avoid any sport, excessive activity or lifting anything heavier than 5kg (11lb) for two or three days.

If you have any concerns about your wound or recovery process, call your GP or NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

See Common questions on caring for your wound or injury for information on how to look after a wound.

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