Pre Cardiac Catheterization Instructions

You will receive a phone call from our cath lab staff the day before your procedure to confirm your arrival time, as it possibly could change and answer any questions you might have about the test. The morning of your procedure please report to:

                                Cardiovascular Associates, P.S.C.
                                Outpatient Cardiac Cath Lab
                                6420 Dutchmans Parkway
                                East entrance, take elevator to lower level (LL) and turn right

Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your procedure.  Take your blood pressure and heart medications with a small sip of water the morning of your procedure, unless otherwise instructed.

Please bring all of your daily medications with you the day of your procedure.

If you are taking Coumadin: Notify your physician immediately so it can be stopped several days prior to your procedure. If not stopped, it can cause your procedure to be postponed.  We will check your protime the morning of the procedure to ensure that it is within a safe range to perform your heart catheterization.

DIABETICS:  If you take Insulin, please take ½ of your regular morning dose, unless otherwise directed. Bring all diabetic medications (including insulin) with you, as you may receive a dose after your procedure is completed. If you take a medication called Glucophage or Glucovance, please notify your physician or our cath lab staff.

If you are taking a diuretic or “water pill” : DO NOT take it the morning of your procedure.

Please notify your physician and the cath lab staff if you have an allergy to any of the following: IODINE, X-RAY DYE, SEAFOOD, or SHELLFISH (SHRIMP, LOBSTER, ETC.). You will receive some special medications to help prevent a reaction to the dye we use during the procedure.

You will not be allowed to drive for 24 hours after your procedure.  Please make arrangements for a ride home the day of your test.  Also, you will need to make arrangements for someone to stay with you until the morning following your procedure.  You will also need to be off of work for a minimum of 48 hours following your procedure.

Please leave valuables at home. You may wear your glasses, rings, hearing aids, dentures or watch during the procedure.

PLEASE PLAN TO SPEND FIVE TO SIX HOURS WITH US!

We request only two visitors per patient, and please no children. It is important to have one family member available during and after your procedure.  The physician will review the test results with you and your family.  At that time family members may leave and return 30 minutes prior to discharge, so that discharge instructions may be reviewed.

YOUR PROCEDURE IS SCHEDULED FOR:

DATE____________________  TIME____________________

If you have any questions, please call (502) 891-8475. We look forward to taking care of you!