What Happens After My Cardiac Cath?
After the procedure, you will be taken to the recovery area where a team of nurses will care for you. This will include frequent visits to check on your blood pressure and heart rate, as well as to review the puncture site of the wrist or leg, where the tube was inserted.
You should expect to be under observation for several hours before you will be able to go home, although someone else will have to drive you.
If you do not have anyone at home, or a stent was inserted it is more likely that you will stay in hospital overnight and be discharged early the next morning.
Before you leave, you will be told when you can drive and resume your usual activities. You will also be given a follow-up appointment time to discuss the results of your test again in detail with Dr McGaw. You will have already been told the results of the test, however, it is common usual to have difficulty remembering details after the sedation of the procedure. Your next of kin will have also been informed of the results of the test if you have given permission prior.
What problems can happen after a cardiac cath?
The most common problem after a cardiac cath is bleeding and bruising at the site where the tube was inserted. This is because your blood is thinned during the procedure to reduce the risk of clots forming in the tube. Any bruising will go through the usual colour changes over the next days. Any discomfort at the site should be mild and settle within days. If there was an increase in swelling or pain, then the site should be reviewed as the artery wall may not have sealed completely. Sometimes there can be swelling and pain higher in the arm if the wrist was used.
Other serious problems can occur during a cardiac cath, but they are very uncommon. They include heart attack (<1/1000), stroke (<1/1000), death (<1/1000) and allergic reaction to the x-ray dye or heparin. These are the most serious, but rare, possible complications which would be recognised during your time in the hospital. Other complications are less frequent or serious.
When should I contact my doctor?
Contact your Dr McGaw if you experience increased pain, swelling or redness at the site where the tube was inserted or numbness or weakness in your hand if the wirst has been used.
When should I contact my doctor?
Contact your Dr McGaw if you experience increased pain, swelling or redness at the site where the tube was inserted or numbness or weakness in your hand if the wrist has been used.