Cardiac Catheterization

Tell your doctor if you:

• Are allergic to the iodine dye used in the Reference contrast material Opens New Window or any other substance that contains iodine.
• Are allergic to any substances that might be used during the procedure, such as latex or talc.
• Are allergic to any medicines.
• Take any medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies. Some of these can increase your risk of bleeding. Some medicines can cause other problems during the test. Your doctor will tell you which medicines to stop before your test and which medicines you can take safely. Medicines to mention include:
  • Blood-thinning medicine, such as warfarin, clopidogrel (Plavix), or aspirin.
  • Erection-enhancing medicines, such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), or vardenafil (Levitra).
• Are or might be pregnant.
• Have Reference asthma Opens New Window or have ever had a serious allergic reaction (Reference anaphylaxis Opens New Window) from any substance, such as the venom from a bee sting.
• Have any bleeding problems.
• Have Reference kidney disease Opens New Window. The contrast material used during cardiac catheterization can cause kidney damage in people who have poor kidney function. If you have a history of kidney problems, blood tests (Reference creatinine Opens New Window, Reference blood urea nitrogen Opens New Window) may be done before and after the test to confirm that your kidneys are functioning properly.

Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have regarding the need for the test, its risks, how it will be done, or what the results will mean. To help you understand the importance of this test, fill out the medical test information form (What is a Reference PDF Opens New Window document?).

Arrange for someone to take you home after the test. You may not have to stay in the hospital overnight.

Do not eat or drink (except for a small amount of water) for 6 to 12 hours before the test.

Take your medicines as directed by your doctor. You might stop taking certain medicines before your test and start taking them again after your test.

Before the test, remove any necklaces, bracelets, rings, or other jewelry. You should also remove nail polish from your fingernails and toenails.

Be sure to empty your bladder completely just before the test.

© 1995-2011, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.