Cardiovascular and Interventional Center

Before the Procedure

• Talk to your cardiologist about stopping coumadin if you are taking it.
• Do not take Viagra, Levitra or Cialis 24 hours before your procedure.
• If you take insulin, discuss your dosage with your doctor before your procedure.

The Day Before Your Procedure

• A nurse from Cardiovascular Recovery (CVR) will call to ask you questions about your medical history and to explain the upcoming procedure.
• Do not eat or drinking anything after midnight the night before unless otherwise instructed.
• If you are having a heart catheterization and are prescribed Metformin, Glucophage or Clucovance, you should not take it the day of your procedure. Take all other medications with small sips of water unless otherwise instructed.

On the Day of Your Procedure

• You will not be able to drive for at least 24 hours after your procedure, so please arrange for transportation.
• Bring all you medications with you in the original bottles from the pharmacy.
• Bring a list of all your allergies.
• Leave jewelry and other valuables at home.
• Pack a small bag with toiletries in case you must stay overnight.
• If you have a living will or a medical power of attorney, please bring a copy for your record.
• Tell your nurse if you wear dentures or other prosthetic devices.
• Wear loose-fitting clothes the day of the procedure.
• Bring your insurance card with you.
• Arrive at your scheduled time to outpatient registration.
• Blood work may be required on the day of your procedure.
• After registration, proceed to CVR located on 2 South. Take the elevators beside the cafeteria and outpatient registration.
• A medical history will be taken by the CVR nurse and an IV will be started before the procedure. You may receive light sedation by mouth before your procedure.
• When you are taken to the cath lab, your family will be asked to remain in the waiting room. Your cardiologist will talk to them after the procedure.

If You are Admitted After Your Procedure

If you are required to spend the night, you will be admitted to 7 or 8 East for observation. It is possible that you may need to stay more than one day.

Recovery

• Nurses will monitor your condition frequently while you remain on bedrest.
• Most patients are able to eat soon after their procedure.
• If you experience discomfort, let your nurse know.

Discharge

• If you are able to go home the day of your procedure, you will recover in CVR.
• Plan to stay in CVR for at least four hours.
• Since you will receive sedation, you will not be able to drive, operate heavy machinery, drink alcohol or sign any important papers for the next 24 hours.
• Ask your cardiologist when you will be able to return to work.
• Specific discharge instructions will be given to you depending on your procedure. You may be restricted from lifting items above a certain weight, raising your left arm above your head, hot tub/Jacuzzi baths, swimming and strenuous activities.

For more information, please call your physician or cardiologist.

University Cardiology       865.305.2800

Cardiovascular Recovery  865.305.8272