After the coronary angiogram, the patient will return to a hospital bed for recovery. He or she will likely feel groggy from the sedative. The patient will lie in bed with legs straight for several hours and be discharged two to eight hours after the procedure. The sedative will have worn off and the catheter insertion point may be bruised and sore. It is highly recommended that patients drink extra fluids during this period of rest. Throughout the post-catheterization monitoring, the point of catheter entrance will be checked for bleeding, swelling or infection.

Patients will be given instructions from their physician that will address the following:

• Exercise and exertion. Patients are reminded to refrain from lifting heavy objects and engaging in strenuous exercise or sexual activity for several days after the procedure.
  
  
• Care of the incision area. Bruising and soreness is possible and normal. Severe pain or swelling may require medical attention.
  
  
• The type and use of medications for pain or as treatment for conditions found on the angiogram.