How to Prepare?
Before leaving for the hospital, please consider:
- Making sure you have all the necessary admission documents;
- Prescribed medicine;
- Taking a shower to reduce the risk of infection;
- Packing toiletries and appropriate clothing in case it is necessary to spend a night in the hospital.
The examination is carried out on an empty stomach, with no smoking at least four to six hours beforehand. A blood coagulation test is carried out, along with various other blood tests, depending on the case. It is done by taking a blood sample.
If the patient is diabetic, it is necessary to inquire about special instructions as to how to prepare for this procedure, particularly when to eat and when to take insulin or other medications. The doctor must be informed about all prescription or over-the-counter medications being taken, especially anticoagulants and antiplatelets. If going through anticoagulant treatment, it should be reduced or stopped according to the doctor’s instructions.
The doctor should also know if there are any kidney problems. The contrast dye used during cardiac catheterization can cause kidney damage in people who have poor kidney function.
