Cardiac Catheter - Preparation

Some preliminary examinations must be conducted in advance of the cardiac catheter examination. Among these are an electrocardiogram (ECG) and a stress ECG, which monitor the electrical activity of your heart both at rest and under stress. Also particularly important are x-rays of your heart and lungs. Further examinations include a haemogram (blood count) and a determination of your kidney levels, coagulation levels, and thyroid levels. Thyroid function must be ruled out due to the fact that this would worsen as a result of the iodine-containing contrast agent. Kidney levels are important because only a functioning kidney will be able to discharge the main part of the contrast agent. For the examination, you should otherwise be free from infection.^5,6

On the day of the examination, you stomach must be empty, i.e. you may not consume or imbibe anything at least 6 hours beforehand. For hygienic reasons, body hair will be shaved from the place where the catheter will be inserted.^5,7

Please speak about these and further preparatory measures explicitly with your doctor.