You will be asked to sign a consent form giving your doctor permission to perform the cardiac catheterization. The night before the procedure, you will not be able to eat or drink after midnight. An empty stomach will keep you from feeling ill during the catheterization.

If you are having the examination as an outpatient, you will be asked to arrive at the hospital two hours prior to the procedure. You should make arrangements for someone to drive you home when you are released.

You may wear glasses, dentures or hearing aids during the procedure, but all jewelry should be left at home. Your nurse will remind you to urinate before you go into the catheterization laboratory. A mild sedative will be given, not to make you sleep, but to help you feel more relaxed. The nurse will also start an IV in your arm.

When you arrive in the laboratory you will be transferred to a special x-ray table, where you will remain awake and able to talk through the entire procedure. Your doctor will inject a local anesthetic where the catheter is to be inserted. Once the area is numb, a tiny incision will be made to allow insertion of a guide wire into a blood vessel. The catheter is slipped over the guide wire, and then the wire is removed, leaving the catheter in place. Once the catheter is positioned in the heart, dye is injected so internal structures can be viewed on film. As the dye is released, you may notice a warm feeling for 15 to 30 seconds. You may also experience a bitter taste in your mouth. Both sensations are normal. During the catheterization, you may be asked to cough or breathe deeply to help the dye move through the heart.

The time for the procedure varies, but it generally lasts one to two hours. If you feel any discomfort during the procedure tell your doctor right away.

When you return to your room, you must stay in bed for one to four hours depending on the procedure. You will be encouraged to drink fluids. You may also eat, but in moderation, since overeating could make you feel ill.

After reviewing your films and pressure readings, your doctor will tell you the results of your catheterization. Outpatients will probably be released the day of the procedure, while inpatients may be discharged the following day. You may resume normal activities upon release unless your doctor advised restrictions until you receive further treatment.