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Cardiac Catheterization

Before the Test

  • The cardiac cath lab nurse will contact you one to two days before the exam.
  • The nurse will answer your questions and will review pre-cath guidelines.
  • Please tell the nurse about any allergies or if you have ever had an unusual reaction to iodine or testing using contrast media.
  • If you are a diabetic taking Metformin (Glucophage, ® Glucophage XR,® Glucovance®), talk with your doctor who manages your diabetes. The contrast given during the cath may affect the way Metformin works. You may not take Metforim for at least 48 hours after a cardiac cath. Contact your doctor to develop a short-term plan for controlling your blood sugar (diet, other medicines or checking blood sugar levels).
  • The night before the exam, do not eat or drink anything after midnight.
  • On the day of the test, take only the medicine the nurse has instructed you to take. Medicine should be taken with small sips of water.
  • Do not take Metformin (Glucophage,® Glucophage XR,® Glucovance®) on the morning of your test.

Contact
If you have any questions about this information, talk to your doctor or nurse, or call the Cardiac Cath Department at (312) 926-5135.

Surgery Guide

Cardiac Catheterization
Before the test
Day of the test
After the test


Review Date:12/04