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776302 tn?1241091853

side effects of angiogram?

Has anybody out there had any side effects or complications from the angiogram test, the cardiac catherization? Please let me know if you have had any. Thanks
19 Responses
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11548417 tn?1506080564
Have had 4 catheterizations. One time haematoma in groin area. Just had to extend my stay in hospital with couple of hours. One time Aneurisma Spurium. This meant visit to surgeon for fixing it (with echo guided injection).
Helpful - 2
Avatar universal
I have recently had two cardiac catheterizations, six weeks apart. The first was done through my right wrist, and three stents were installed (in 90%+ blocked arteries), and no significant complications occurred. My arm did show quite a bit of bruising for a couple of weeks, but it faded away. I was told that I needed another stent, but because of issues with dye exposure, they didn't have time to do it. Before the stents, I felt tired, even first thing in the morning. Afterwards, I was much more energetic, and alert. I was very pleased with the results.

The second time, they went through my right leg. In recovery, I was told that the fourth stent was not needed, because the vessel apparently had a spasm due to the other blockages. During recovery, I developed a fist-sized hematoma in my leg, which required the nurses to press on it (hard!) to reduce the swelling, and stop the leak. I also passed out when they first got me out of bed in recovery (anesthesia reaction?). Leg pain and swelling was significant for over two weeks, and has been slowly getting better. My thigh was almost purple-black for over a week, but it has lightened up, and spread further down my leg. The color is almost back to normal (3 weeks later). I am using leg wraps and pain meds (Note: don't mix Tramadol and Narco! You may pass out) to reduce the swelling and discomfort. Due to lack of activity, my legs are weak, and my mobility is not as good as it was. After my follow-up appointment in two months, I will start an exercise program that I hope will make my mobility even better than before. I just wish they had gone through the wrist again.

I hope this helps your decision. In spite of the issues that I described, I was facing a certain heart attack, which would have been far worse, if not fatal. So, it was the right decision for me.
Helpful - 2
2 Comments
Gidday SNuss. Thank you for sharing your kind but traumatic experience with me/us ALL here. I was to told I may just simply have a bit of dye reaction but, it will pass & nothing to worry about by my Cardiologist & his team of Squats lol. I have a heart mumur, Tachycardia & Sinus cardia, and have a mumur & I'm treated for Angina with spray. However good news yesterday was my heart & all valves looked great. But I am now stuck with deli orating Odema, in both legs mainly calfs, my feet, toes & soles of my feet do NOT look normal at all. I was kicked out of the hospital bed, public due to lack of hospital beds. I am and was FAR from well. My guess is the dye reacted in me & my wrist is black/blue very swollen. I have had a sudden black out, as a in-patient, and I could hear the staff saying get this & that. There where blood everywhere "from at the time", my shine bone OLD past injury get this FROM 2 year AGO, the old Ulcer bursting open. I'm saying this was certainly started & caused by the dye & mass oedema reaction I'm suffering.And I suffer with Lupus & multiple other health matters..I've enjoyed your story & others, and I truly look very FORWARD to any or ALL replies & or advice also here. Much Kind Regard SuzanneTay THANKYOU ALL here
Gidday to u @SNuss. "WOW". Thanx so much for kindly sharing your procedure here. I have had my 2nd Angiogram yesterday, in my left wrist & the 1st time in my groin.
I will NEVER ever recommend to ANY human being reading & sharing our articles here, if having an Angio, must opt for WRIST ONLY. Whilst I appreciate we are all different individuals, who all have by far there own personal choice on any matters involving ones self, I can assure you please DO NOT allow the option of 1) Groin Angiogram. Please think very carefully when you do decide, by strongly considering the WRIST Angiogram. YES I am badly bruised, BUT I do NOT have the severe PAIN if i had again, gone with the heavy wheat type bag in my groin as a pressure pack to STOP bleeding.Please strongly consider these serious & vital life saving procedures carefully. Cheers SuzanneT
976897 tn?1379167602
If his kidneys are now normal then his risk is small. The dye should have no impact if his kidneys are working normally.
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
Hi,
My Father had a Cardiac arrest about a year ago. His conditions was critical and had to stay about 2 weeks time at Emergency Care unit. At that time his kidney stopped functioning and was back to normal after 4-5 days. Now we were asked to do an angiography by next week. Someone please tell me that will be there any impact of dye used at angiography test to his kidneys?
Helpful - 1
1 Comments
Gidday to you AMILASPG. May I ask how your dear father's procedure turned out, with the concern you had with the dye?? Kind thanks SuzanneTaylor
Avatar universal
I had a angiogram in May 14 the dye had an effect on me for weeks.
Causing the Lyme infection to move all round my body getting different
Lyme related symptoms every day.
It's settled in my lower legs causing neuropathy and infection.
I told the cardiologist that Lyme disease does not show up on scans.
It's not a way of conferming a diagnoses. As I already had 3 blood tests.
All they have done is push the infection out to other parts of the body.
I should of been put on intravious antibiotics back in August 13.
Now the infection is in my legs.
I was put on 500mg 4 times a day for a week. It still has not
Cleared it. I am now on 1gram 4 times a day for one week.
I have been told that most doctors don't think too much about their patients
I went to ER if it was not this particular doctor looking at my legs and saying her family has a whole were pron to neuropathy.  I would of just carried on
with doctors telling me it was my weight.
I went back to my GP or one of them in the practice after the first dose.
Thinking I was to get more antibiotic.
She said there was no infection. I was given a prescription for 50
Paracetamol. My feet and toes got numb along with the pain.
I saw a doctor who was not very flattering about his colleagues.
They regard most of us as a waste of space he told me.
Cough cold depression.
I had had my 50th visit to ER.
I was told to complain to my practice manager about the GP
and funding I was not getting to a private hospital from the
NHS. It was costing them more me attending ER and two
Admission of 3 months each to a psychatric hospital. To be taken off my
antibiotics and given psychatric drugs.
He said threaten to go to the press.
I have complained to the hospital several times.
The doctor said that will not get you anywhere.
They will ask you what you want.

Helpful - 1
2 Comments
Gidday there buddy. So sorry to hear u have had all these problems & furtheore suffer with terrible Lyme Disease. I to yesterday had the (Wrist Dye Angiogram). I am in a shocking way. BOTH of my legs the calfs mainly, feet, all toes & soles if my feet a almost TRIPLE in size. I have broke out with some sort of ulcers or pim
Gidday from SuzanneTay. In OZ Australia @lyme_lady. I am terribly sorry firstly to hear u have very cruel "Lyme Disease". Plus complications from the Angiogram. I am deeply sorry to hear this, and this goes for any or ALL people affected by a ANGIOGRAM. Mine was done less then 24 hours ago & whilst I have this done via my wrist, I complained about mass stinging, skin stretching feeling & huge swelling in both legs, from the knees down, including feet, toes & soles of my feet. My two calves are over double the size & the swelling so extreme where we have ankle & base leg feet marks, I have none visable. I had asked in hospital in the Cardiac ward why?? Are my legs extremely enlarged with I guess u could say huge ++++ fluid retention. Her reply was "sorry I can see the oedema, but I cannot say why". I continued also, to inform of shocking pains over both of my kidney areas'. But pain is so strong I can't breath & was a lot worse, after being given fluid reduction tablets. My guess is my kidneys are indeed failing ATM due to the excess swelling from the Angiogram I held only 24hrs ago. I am dizzy as hell, have a tremendous headache & collapsed just before I was discharged from my hospital. I suffer with Lupus & other multiple health matters. However please note:: I have had fluid retention before but in the Summer months only & never ever this significant. I'm even almost unable to walk & in private confession here, I'm severely constipated crying out in massive pain. My joints so sore & swollen I can hardly move of the 10/100 lol. I'd appreciate ANY & ALL feed back very much so here. I'm in two minds, do I ignore this, or do I attend the only other large Public hospital we have. I pray for good health for YOU & anyone reading my script & your reply. Kind thanks Suzanne
776302 tn?1241091853
I feel so bad for you. Maybe you should take 2000 mg of vitamin C every day to flush out the dye. Calamine lotion for the itching. Why is it lasting so long?
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
after having a angiogram last week my blood pressure is high an sweating more ,an breathing abit heavy why
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Gidday chayamalka. I have posted here my recent ANGIOGRAM studies & the events that I now have, 3 days later. Please see my post. I know I have accidentally made typing errors, please excuse this as I'm u sure now how to correct. Also think I posted my question by accident, in reply to somebody else's answer. Thanks SuzanneTaylor
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi dear people. I had a Angiogram 3 days ago, they went in through my wrist. Had some troubles getting the tube in 4 X times. The pain was unimaginable, as the local had not taken full affect. Any way my question is this please. I have huge excess fluid Odema in my calfs, feet toes, hands & abdomen areas. To the point it's stinging as my skin pulls from the almost double size swelling. Today I've started with a unknown reason & a very high fever & when you touch my body skin it's on fire. My wrist is swollen around entry site. Anybody else had this trouble please? And also occasional I get a muggle chest pain, nothing to bad. But my hand is aching on the wrist where they entered the Angiogram tube & camera. Please HELP me if you have had ANY of the above. Many kind Thanks to ALL. Suzanne
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
on Monday, Nov 11, I had angioplasty, I am broken out with a red itching rash all over my body from the dye. Do not know how long this will last as now it has been 6 days.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi everyone...
My Husband had an angiogram test 9 years back.Frequently he getting fever and cold and he feels like vomit.How to take care of his health and whether this will affect his life span..am so worried abt ths...and also let me know whether i have to take care of his food  habit..what foods to be avoided
Helpful - 0
976897 tn?1379167602
I thought the question was related to angiogram? and side effects?

With regards to a drill going through an artery wall, I think such a cardiologist should be seriously investigated and prevented from further intervention. Safe lasers have been in circulation for a long time now and if the laser won't progress along the catheter, it's obvious to the cardiologist that the catheter is buried in the artery wall.
Even soft plaque can prove difficult for a catheter to pass through, one of my blockages on monday was quite soft material but very compact and the thickest available catheter had to be used for penetration. The scanner was rotated endless times during the penetration showing all possible angles as he progressed.
I remember reading a report once that said "If passengers were made aware of all the faults that had existed on a plane, they would probably never board". Perhaps the experience of all cardiologists should be made to patients before any consent form is signed. How do we know if the cardiologist has only performed 2 or 3 procedures before?
Helpful - 0
367994 tn?1304953593
There was a recent post where the cardiologist perforated the vessel and that called for an emergency operation.  There is a high risk when attempting to drill through a heavily occluded vessel as there may ba a loss of bearing with twists and turns of some vessels.

Many individuals have pain from the site of penetration of the cath...sometimes lasting for wekks and sometimes a clot or infection.

I had an implant going on 8 years and haven't had any problems now nor during and after the procedure.  Favorable results may be the usual outcome, but there is a risk involved.
Helpful - 0
976897 tn?1379167602
I would just like to add that I was very impressed with patient management after my procedure, they've certainly improved things a lot. I had 2 nurses with me for several hours after the event, one taking BP, SATS etc every 15 mins and watching my temperature. The other watching my wound, feeling pulses in my legs/ankles and asking me how I was feeling. I was spoiled. I will definitely be sending a letter to the cardiac care unit to thank them for their unbelievable professionalism.
Helpful - 0
976897 tn?1379167602
It is important that you drink lots of fluids after an angio procedure. You have to get the contrast out of your system to prevent kidney problems. I had a 2 hour procedure the other day and a LOT of contrast. As soon as the procedure was over, I was given 2 cups of water to gulp down, even though I felt nauseous. I was then supervised to drink 3 litres of water in 2 hours which certainly flushed me out. I was then given a healthy lunch and the nausea disappeared. Most people suffer dizziness and sickness because they don't drink lots of fluids to aid removal from the body. Each time the contrast was injected into me, I felt different sensations. For example, if my circumflex was contrasted, my throat and lower jaw burned. If my LAD was contrasted, I felt mild chest pain and a burning sensation in my arm. I also had a complete flush done on each side of my body which really heated me up and made me feel sick.
Oh, and obviously before any angio procedure, you should be nil by mouth for at LEAST 2 hours. I had breakfast at 5am, then was nil by mouth from 6am. My angio started at 9am.
Helpful - 0
1636858 tn?1307458394
I had an angiogram yesterday and vomited when the dye was injected going all hot and funny for about 5mins.  I also found the whole procedure  quite
painful. The next day I felt fine until after lunch when again I felt sick and dizzy.  Did I have a reaction to the dye or am I hyper sensitive?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Remember that this was an emergency procedure. My friend had it done before and it was a breeze. She cannot believe this happened to her. She said that the doctor that did the procedure originally was really good and she never experienced any discomfort. Also, she had a heart exam 2 weeks prior and her cardiologist said that aside from leaky valve syndrome, her heart was in good shape wierd huh. Anyway she is an ox and the little thing is talking about the next sales in Macys. In everything we do we take risks which includes sleeping eating, and well you know. I hope everything works out for you.
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776302 tn?1241091853
The cardiac arrest was probably due to the angiogram. And maybe even the blood clots. Maybe she had a reaction to the dye they used. I don't think laxatives can cause cardiac arrest or blood clots. Maybe vomiting if she took way too much of it. It would just cause diahreah. The doctor who is supposed to do my angiogram is an expert and is famous and renowned. His complication rate is very low, not zero though. I guess I have to call for prayers before I go through this. There is no urgency in doing it.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
My friend was rushed to the emergency room following  a rash of violent vomiting. Long story short she had an angiogram procedure done, she felt a pain in her chest and went into cardiac arrest. after 35 minutes she was brought back. The doctor said she had 2 blood clots and it magically disappeared and no surgery was needed. She is up and very well. She feels that the angiogram caused her heart to stop. We are looking into it since there was no shortness of breath, and she was shopping and totally fine all day. she is 108 pounds and only have 20% plague (great for someone 66  years old) not to mention she had taken some laxative which may have caused the vomiting.
Helpful - 0
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