Evidence-based care for patients undergoing coronary angiography

Coronary heart disease is the most common cause of death in the United Kingdom, accounting for approximately 94,000 deaths per year (Allender et al, 2008). Coronary angiography is currently regarded as the gold standard technique for evaluation of patients with suspected coronary heart disease and for defining coronary anatomy (Di Mario and Sutaria, 2005; Edmond et al, 2008). When caring for patients undergoing coronary angiography, it is essential to ensure that all aspects of nursing care are evidence-based so that the nurse can perform safe and accountable practice (NMC, 2008). The aim of this article is to update the nurse's knowledge and skills on caring for a patient undergoing coronary angiography. The indications, contra-indications and complications will be reviewed. All aspects of nursing care and patient education will be discussed and a rationale for nursing actions will be provided.