How Long Does Angiography Take? Before and After

Coronary angiography is the imaging of heart vessels using a catheter. The procedure typically takes 15-30 minutes, but total hospital time including preparation and post-procedure observation is about 4-6 hours.

Before the procedure, blood tests and ECG are performed. The patient is informed and consent is obtained. The procedure is done under local anesthesia; the patient remains awake and can communicate with the team.

After radial (wrist) angiography, patients can stand up within hours and are often discharged the same day. Femoral (groin) access requires a few hours of bed rest.

Post-procedure recommendations include drinking plenty of water, keeping the access site dry for 24 hours, and avoiding heavy lifting. Normal activities can resume the next day.