Preparing for 
Tests
HOSPITAL PROCEDURES
Cardiac Catheterization
BEFORE THE PROCEDURE
- Report 2 hours prior to procedure time.
- This is an out-patient procedure.
- Do not eat or drink after midnight.
- Have pre-admission testing done 5 days prior to procedure unless instructed otherwise by the physician.
- Stop Coumadin 4 to 5 days prior to procedure as directed by the physician.
- Diabetic patients: If you take insulin, take ½ your normal dose and do not take any oral diabetic medicine (diabetic pills) the morning of the procedure. If you have an afternoon cath, please call the office for instructions.
- Take all other medications with small sips of water the morning of the procedure, unless instructed otherwise by the doctor.
- Bring all your medicines with you.
- Notify the office immediately if you have had an allergic reaction to shellfish, iodine, or IVP dye.
- Please bring the order sheet with you the day of the procedure.
- If you need angioplasty after the catheterization, you will have to stay at least one night.
POST PROCEDURE
Did you Know?
Newer and more specific indicators of cholesterol metabolism—like lipoproteins themselves—identify individuals at higher risk, allowing more effective prevention approaches. Most doctors do not recommend these tests because they have not been trained in their evaluation or significance. However, every physician in our practice has learned how to use these indicators as essential parts of patient care.
Newer and more specific indicators of cholesterol metabolism—like lipoproteins themselves—identify individuals at higher risk, allowing more effective prevention approaches. Most doctors do not recommend these tests because they have not been trained in their evaluation or significance. However, every physician in our practice has learned how to use these indicators as essential parts of patient care.
Did you Know?
There are 4 established convential risk factors for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) - smoking, hypercholestrolemia, hypertension and diabetes. Yet more than half of individuals already diagnosed with CAD have only 0 to 1 risk factors, and fully 20% have none! That means that there are other important factors contributing to CAD.
There are 4 established convential risk factors for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) - smoking, hypercholestrolemia, hypertension and diabetes. Yet more than half of individuals already diagnosed with CAD have only 0 to 1 risk factors, and fully 20% have none! That means that there are other important factors contributing to CAD.
Did you Know?
Many people who develop CAD were incorrectly identified as being at low risk using conventional risk scoring, for example, using screening lipid panels. National Guidlines explain that conventional risk factors "account for only about half the risks of CAD in the US population."
Many people who develop CAD were incorrectly identified as being at low risk using conventional risk scoring, for example, using screening lipid panels. National Guidlines explain that conventional risk factors "account for only about half the risks of CAD in the US population."
- Plan on a minimum of 2 hours in a post-catherization recovery unit.
- You will have a small dressing at the insert site.
- You may shower only, no hot tub, bath tub or swimming until the site is healed.
- You may feel a lump and/or mild tenderness at the site.
- Remove the dressing after 24 hours. Clean site with mild soap and water and apply a clean dressing.
- Modify activity for 48-72 hours—no straining or lifting greater than 10 pounds. No driving for a minimum of 3 days.
Peripheral Artery Angiograms and Intervention (Angioplasty/Stenting)
- Eat normally before midnight.
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight except a small sip of water with your morning medications.
- Take all of your usual medications.
- Take a full dose aspirin, a 325 mg tablet, unless otherwise instructed.
- If you are scheduled for a carotid angiogram: Do not take your blood pressure pills, unless otherwise instructed.
- Tell us if you are allergic to X-ray contrast dye. We can give you medication to prevent an reaction such as rash, difficulty breathing, or nausea and vomiting.
- If you have diabetes, take your usual dose of medication the night before including Lantus insulin.
- If you take morning insulin, take only half of your usual dose.
- Do not take diabetes pills.
Office Testing
Stress Tests
- Do not eat or drink 3-4 hours prior to testing.
- Some medicines will need to be withheld prior to testing. Please check with our office at 1-845-268-0880 to find out more.
- Wear comfortable shoes, preferably sneakers if treadmill exercise is planneed, and comfortable clothing.
- Allow 3 to 4 hours for nuclear testing (this includes the wait time between imaging).
Holter Monitor and Event Monitor
- No special instructions for this test. Just remember to bring the order sheet with you.
Coumadin Clinic
- There are no preparations for this test.