• If your wound is in your groin you must not bathe for three days, as the closure that is commonly used to close your
wound cannot be soaked during that period. You may shower or strip wash the next day.
• If your procedure was carried out on the wrist, you may take a bath or shower the next day.
• Any dressing placed on top of the wound may be removed the next day.
• If you have had the procedure done through the groin avoid walking long distances for the first 48 hours.
• For those procedures done through the groin or the wrist avoid lifting heavy objects for 72 hours.
• If you have had an elective angioplasty as a day case patient and have no history of a heart attack you may drive
after one week.
• If you have been told you have had a heart attack you cannot drive for 4 weeks after the event.
• Unless you have been told otherwise you should continue all medications after your procedure.
• If you are on anti-coagulants to thin your blood the discharging nurse will have instructed you when to restart them if
they were stopped pre procedure.
• If you have been prescribed new medication the discharging nurse will also explain these to you.
• People who take Metformin must not take this for 48 hours after the procedure due to the reaction of the contrast dye
used at that time of your angiogram.
Once you have been discharged it is important to keep an eye on your wound. If you notice any of the following it is important
to get in contact with the Ward you had the procedure on. Phone numbers are at the bottom of this sheet.
• Swelling of the wound larger than the size of a marble
• Discharge or slight bleeding (although uncommon any severe bleeding needs urgent medical attention – contact 999
and put firm pressure directly over the top of the wound until help arrives)
• Worsening pain over the incision site • Slight bruising is normal (any large areas of bruising may need to be seen by a health care professional)
• If you feel any pain from your wound, you can take over the counter painkillers.
An appointment will be sent to you if you need to be followed up for any further tests, investigations, or other procedures.
You can also contact your GP within their opening hours. Do not attend A+E unless it
is an emergency.
