Post-Cardiac Catherization Instructions

If your doctor needs to evaluate how your well your heart performs, he may recommend that you undergo a cardiac catheterization. During this procedure, your doctor makes a small incision in one of the arteries of either your leg or arm and advances a thin tube from this site into your heart to collect data about any problems that might exist. After this procedure, it is important that you follow your doctor's discharge instructions.

Things You'll Need

• Doctor-recommended pain medications
• Adhesive bandages

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Instructions

• 1

  Take over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen, as directed by your doctor to relieve any pain you experience at the tube insertion site. If over-the-counter pain-relief medications are inadequate, alert your doctor.

• 2

  Resume taking any prescription or over-the-counter medications, excluding certain diabetes medications, as you normally would. Alert your doctor to all medications you take on a regular basis, and unless he directs you otherwise, it is safe to resume them after the catheterization.

• 3

  Abstain from driving. You should not drive a car for at least 48 hours after your cardiac catheterization.

• 4

  Avoid immersing the puncture site, such as during bathing or swimming, until you are completely healed. You may shower the day after the procedure. Replace the adhesive bandage over your incision as needed after showering.

• 5

  Abstain from pushing, pulling or lifting objects greater than 10 pounds for at least one week post-procedure. Also, avoid exercises or any other activities that require you to engage your abdominal muscles, hold your breath or bear down during this time.

• 6

  Continue your regular activities, such as work and other physical activities, approximately one week after cardiac catheterization, unless your doctor advises a longer rest period.