Cardiac Catheterization Procedure

Cardiac catheterization preparation

This procedure is usually done at a hospital. Most people will also need blood tests and an EKG. Some other things to keep in mind:

Your doctor or nurse will tell you what you can and can’t eat or drink before the procedure.

Tell your doctor all the medications you’re taking, including herbal products and dietary supplements.

Ask your doctor what drugs you should take on the day of your cardiac cath. You may need to stop taking some of them, such as Coumadin (a blood thinner), for a few days before the procedure.

If you have diabetes, ask your doctor how to adjust your diabetes drugs the day of your test.

Tell your doctor and nurses if you’re allergic to anything, especially iodine, shellfish, X-ray dye, latex, rubber products (such as rubber gloves or balloons), or penicillin-type medications.

You might not be able to go home the day of your procedure. Bring personal items with you (such as a robe, slippers, and toothbrush) to make your stay more comfortable. Have someone else take you home.

How long does a cardiac catheterization last?

A cardiac cath procedure usually takes about 30 minutes (and longer if you have an intervention), but the preparation and recovery time add several hours. Plan on being at the hospital all day.

What happens during a cardiac catheterization?

You’ll put on a hospital gown. A nurse will put an intravenous (IV) needle in your arm in order to give you medications and fluids.

The cardiac cath room looks like an operating room. You’ll lie on a special table. A large camera and several TV monitors will be above you. You can watch the pictures from your cardiac cath on the monitors.

The nurse will clean and possibly shave the site where they’ll insert the catheter (in your arm or groin). Sterile cloths will cover the site and help prevent infection. Keep your arms and hands at your sides so you don’t move the drapes.

The nurse will put electrodes (small, flat, sticky patches) on your chest. The electrodes are attached to an EKG machine that charts your heart's electrical activity.