How Do I Prepare for My Cardiac Catheterization?

Your cardiac catheterization will help your doctor determine whether you have disease in your coronary arteries, and if so, will help pinpoint the size and location of plaque that may have built up. The procedure is generally done to determine whether you may need bypass surgery or angioplasty.

Before coming to the hospital:

• Have nothing to eat or drink after midnight the night before your procedure, unless otherwise directed.
• You may take your morning medications with a small sip of water, unless otherwise directed.
• Please bring with you a list of all your medications, including name, dosage and times per day.
• Bring your insurance card with you. Insurance copayments are expected at the time of service.
• Shower or bathe the morning of your procedure.
• Wear comfortable clothing and flat shoes.
• Make sure to leave all valuables at home.
• Plan to have a responsible adult drive you home. Also, make arrangements to have someone remain with you at home for the remainder of the day.

Directions

Park in the Outpatient Parking Lot off Peoples Avenue (adjacent to Beman Park). Enter the hospital through the Lally Pavilion. Please register at the outpatient registration desk just inside the door. You will then be directed to the cath lab by the registration staff.

Thank you for choosing Samaritan Hospital for your cardiac catheterization. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to call us at (518)268-6179.