How you prepare

In some cases, coronary angiograms are performed on an emergency basis. More commonly, though, they're scheduled in advance, giving you time to prepare.

Angiograms are performed in the catheterization (cath) lab of a hospital. Your health care team will give you specific instructions and talk to you about any medications you take. General guidelines include:

• Don't eat or drink anything after midnight before your angiogram.
• Take all your medications to the hospital with you in their original bottles. Ask your doctor about whether to take your usual morning medications.
• If you have diabetes, ask your doctor if you should take insulin or other oral medications before your angiogram.