Heart Catheterization

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

• Care notes
• Ambulatory
• Discharge
• Español

AMBULATORY CARE:

What you need to know about heart catheterization:

Heart catheterization is a procedure that helps diagnose and treat some heart problems. Healthcare providers can measure oxygen levels and pressures in your heart. They can also fix problems with the valves, blood vessels, or walls of your heart. You may need this procedure if you have chest pain, heart disease, or your heart is not working properly.

How to prepare for heart catheterization:

• Your healthcare provider will tell you how to prepare. You may be told not to eat or drink after midnight on the day of the procedure. Arrange to have someone drive you home after you are discharged.
• Tell your provider if you are sick or have been sick during the week before the procedure.
• Tell your provider about all medicines you currently take. Your provider will tell you if you need to stop any medicine for the procedure, and when to stop. Your provider will tell you which medicines to take or not take on the day of your procedure.
• You may get contrast liquid to help the parts of your heart show up more clearly in pictures. Tell your provider if you had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid or other medicines.
• You may need a chest x-ray, ultrasound, or blood tests before the procedure. You may also need an electrocardiogram (ECG). Talk to your provider about these or other tests you may need.

What will happen during heart catheterization:

• You may be given local anesthesia to numb the surgery area. With local anesthesia, you may still feel pressure or pushing, but you should not feel pain. Local anesthesia will allow you to stay awake enough to follow directions. You may be asked to cough, deep breathe, or hold your breath. This will help your healthcare provider see your heart structures more clearly on x-ray. You may instead be given general anesthesia to keep you asleep and free from pain during your procedure.
• Your provider will insert a catheter and wire into a blood vessel in your neck, arm, wrist, or groin. A wire will be guided through the catheter and up into your heart. The wire helps your provider get the catheter to the correct place. Contrast liquid may be used to help heart tissues, blood vessels, or valves show up more clearly on the x-ray. Oxygen and pressures may be measured in parts of your heart and blood vessels. Blockages in your blood vessels may be fixed. Valves in your heart may be opened, repaired, or replaced. A small piece of heart tissue may be removed to stop irregular heartbeats. An atrial or ventricular septal defect may be repaired. A stent (small tube) may be left inside your artery to hold it open.
• Your provider will remove the catheter. Clamps, stitches, or other devices may be used to close the catheter site. Pressure will be applied to the area for several minutes to stop any bleeding. A pressure bandage or other pressure device may be placed over the area to help prevent more bleeding.

What to expect after heart catheterization:

• You will be attached to a heart monitor until you are fully awake. Healthcare providers will check your pressure bandage often for bleeding or swelling.
• You will need to lie flat with your leg or arm straight for 2 to 4 hours. Do not get out of bed until your healthcare provider says it is okay. Arm or leg movements can cause serious bleeding. When your providers see you are okay, you may be able to go home.
• You may have pain, swelling, or bruising at the catheter site for a few days.

Risks of heart catheterization:

You may bleed more than expected or develop an infection. You may need surgery to repair damage from the catheter to your heart or blood vessels, or to stop bleeding. You may develop a life-threatening blood clot in your arm or leg. You could have a heart attack or stroke during or after the procedure. You could also develop irregular heartbeats.

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

• Your catheter site does not stop bleeding even after you apply firm pressure for 10 minutes.
• You have any of the following signs of a heart attack:
  • Squeezing, pressure, or pain in your chest
  • You may also have any of the following:
    • Discomfort or pain in your back, neck, jaw, stomach, or arm
    • Shortness of breath
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Lightheadedness or a sudden cold sweat
• You have any of the following signs of a stroke:
  • Numbness or drooping on one side of your face
  • Weakness in an arm or leg
  • Confusion or difficulty speaking
  • Dizziness, a severe headache, or vision loss
• You feel lightheaded, short of breath, or have chest pain.
• You cough up blood.
• You have trouble breathing.

Seek care immediately if:

• Blood soaks through your bandage.
• Your stitches come apart.
• Your arm or leg feels numb, cool, or looks pale.
• Your catheter site gets swollen quickly.

Call your cardiologist or doctor if:

• You have a fever or chills.
• Your catheter site is red, swollen, or draining pus.
• Your catheter site looks more bruised or you have bruising on the side of your leg or arm.
• You have nausea or are vomiting.
• Your skin is itchy, swollen, or you have a rash.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Medicines:

You may need any of the following:

• Blood thinners help prevent blood clots. Clots can cause strokes, heart attacks, and death. Many types of blood thinners are available. Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions for the type you are given. The following are general safety guidelines to follow while you are taking a blood thinner:
  • Watch for bleeding and bruising. Watch for bleeding from your gums or nose. Watch for blood in your urine and bowel movements. Use a soft washcloth on your skin, and a soft toothbrush to brush your teeth. This can keep your skin and gums from bleeding. If you shave, use an electric shaver. Do not play contact sports.
  • Tell your dentist and other healthcare providers that you take a blood thinner. Wear a bracelet or necklace that says you take this medicine.
  • Do not start or stop any other medicines or supplements unless your healthcare provider tells you to. Many medicines and supplements cannot be used with blood thinners.
  • Take your blood thinner exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not skip a dose or take less than prescribed. Tell your provider right away if you forget to take your blood thinner, or if you take too much.
• Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines you are using to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
• Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Apply firm, steady pressure if bleeding continues:

A small amount of bleeding from the catheter site is possible. Apply pressure with a clean gauze or towel for 5 to 10 minutes. Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if bleeding becomes heavy or does not stop.

Care for the catheter site:

Most bandages can be removed the day after your procedure. Gently clean the catheter site with soap and water. Do not rub the site. Do not take a bath, swim, or get in a hot tub until your healthcare provider says these are okay. If you need to cough, support the catheter site with your hand.

Activity:

Rest for 1 or 2 days after your procedure. Slowly start to do more each day. Take walks around your house. Make a plan for rest during the day. Your provider will tell you when you can drive, go back to work, or do other activities. The following activity limits are based on the catheter insertion site:

• Wrist: Follow these guidelines for 1 week, or as directed.
  • Do not lift anything heavier than 2 pounds.
  • Do not push or pull with the arm used for the procedure.
  • Avoid activities that use your arm or wrist, such as tennis, bowling, and golf.
• Groin: Follow these guidelines for as long as shown below, or as directed.
  • Do not have sex for 2 days.
  • Do not lift anything heavier than 5 pounds for 1 week.
  • Limit stair climbing for 1 week.
  • Avoid intense exercise for 2 to 4 weeks.

Self-care:

• Drink liquids as directed. Drink extra liquids if contrast liquid was used during your procedure. Liquid will help flush the contrast out of your body. Ask your healthcare provider how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you. Do not drink alcohol for at least 24 hours after your procedure.
• Manage other medical conditions, if needed. Diabetes or high cholesterol increases your risk for another heart attack and stroke. Talk to your provider about your management plan. Your provider will make a plan that helps you manage your conditions.
• Do not smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can cause heart, lung, and blood vessel damage. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your provider before you use these products.

Go to cardiac rehabilitation (rehab), if directed:

Your cardiologist may recommend that you attend cardiac rehab. This is a program run by specialists who will help you safely strengthen your heart and reduce the risk for more heart disease. The plan includes exercise, relaxation, stress management, and heart-healthy nutrition. Healthcare providers will also check to make sure any medicines you are taking are working.

If you have a stent:

• Carry your stent card with you at all times.
• Let all healthcare providers know that you have a stent.
• If you need an MRI, wait at least 6 to 8 weeks after stent placement, or as directed.

Follow up with your cardiologist or doctor as directed:

You may need more tests. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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