Cardiac catheterization instructions

Here’s what to do if your doctor orders a cardiac catheterization for you:

For 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. cases

Arrive two hours before your scheduled procedure time. (If your case is scheduled at 8:00 a.m. at the CVC location, then arrive at 7:00 a.m.)
Nothing to eat or drink after midnight.
Take morning medications with just enough water to get your pills down.
Medications: Please take: aspirin, Plavix, Effient, Brilinta, blood pressure, heart medications.
Do not take: Blood thinners with two days of procedure (Pradaxa, Savaysa, Xarelto, Eliquis). Coumadin within five days of the procedure. Metformin, Lovenox and Heparin (see below). Diuretics or fluid pills (hold the day of procedure). Insulin and diabetic medications (hold the night before and the day of the procedure).
Metformin and Lovenox may be taken the night before the procedure, but not the morning of the procedure.

Same directions as above except the patient may have a light breakfast (toast, coffee), but nothing by mouth after 7:00 a.m.
Please make sure that your lab work has been completed.
Every patient MUST have a driver. The patient will be unable to drive for three full days following the procedure.
Please inform your doctor if you have had a previous allergic reaction to x-ray contrast dye or shellfish. He or she will prescribe medications to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction.

If you have any questions, please contact our office.