Cardiac Catheterization - Preparation

Cardiac Catheterization - Preparation

• Patients may be required to be admitted to the hospital the night before the procedure. For some patients, overnight stay is not required.
• Nil per oral [NPO] or nothing to eat or drink by mouth 6-8 hours before the test.
• The cardiologist will explain the procedure and risks associated with it.
• Consent form should be signed before the procedure.
• Any questions or doubts should be asked and clarified with the doctor before surgery.
• The doctor should be informed of allergies to medications, iodine or food. It should also be documented legibly in the patient’s chart.
• Previous allergic reactions to contrast dyes must be mentioned.

• Catheterization procedure requires X-ray fluoroscopy. Women patients in childbearing age can undergo pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy.
• Medications that are taken on the day of cardiac catheterization should be discussed with the doctor. Some medicines taken for blood thinning (e.g., Aspirin), erectile dysfunction (Sildenafil or Tadalafil) or diabetic medication (metformin) needs to be stopped on the day or few days before the procedure.
• Kidney disease should be assessed before, as contrast materials or dyes may not be used in patients with abnormal kidney function.
• Some blood tests and electrocardiogram (ECG) will be performed before the procedure.
• A mild sedative will be given orally or intravenously to comfort the patient and relieve anxiety.
• All personal belongings and jewellery will be removed and patient will be dressed in a hospital gown before being transported to the catheterization laboratory.