June 14, 2023

Recovering from a Heart Cath Procedure in Lexington, KY

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There are lots of things a patient should know following a heart cath procedure.

An adult will need to stay with you.

They may be required to make legal decisions on your behalf.

It can be an adult family member or a legal representative, and they'll most likely be allowed

in the recovery room.

You will likely be in recovery several hours.

The doctor will review your heart catheterization results with you in the room.

Your family member or legal representative will need to be present because you may be a little tired or sleepy.

After your catheterization, you may have a tube that's either in your arm or

in your leg.

If the tube is in your wrist or your arm, you may come over with a pressure dressing or a

pressure device band on it.

You'll need to keep your arm flat and still for several hours.

You will be able to sit up, but we limit movement in that arm to help it heal.

If the sheath is in your groin, you may hear the nurse talk about a sheath pull.

We will remove the tube from your groin.

We hold pressure for 20 minutes to help that site heal and stay healed.

Once the pressure is released, we put a bandage on there,

and you will have to lay flat for two to six hours as determined by your doctor.

This is to prevent unnecessary bleeding.

Your Baptist healthcare team will do whatever we can to make you comfortable.

We check your vital signs and incision site frequently.

You'll receive IV fluids through your IV.

Once your doctor determines it's safe, we will encourage you to drink lots of water to flush

the contrast dye out of your system.

Once your doctor says it's safe for you to eat and drink, your nurse will let you know.

Feel free to ask your nurses or doctors any questions.

We're here to care for you.

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Recovering from a Heart Cath Procedure

A heart cath procedure is an invasive medical procedure that involves a multifaceted approach to recovery. Learn more about the procedure and recovery.

Recovering from a Heart Cath Procedure in Lexington, KY, HealthTalks Transcript:

Morgan Richie, RN:
There are lots of things a patient should know following a heart cath procedure. An adult will need to stay with you. They may be required to make legal decisions on your behalf. It can be an adult family member or a legal representative, and they'll most likely be allowed in the recovery room.

You will likely be in recovery several hours. The doctor will review your heart catheterization results with you in the room. Your family member or legal representative will need to be present because you may be a little tired or sleepy.

After your catheterization, you may have a tube that's either in your arm or in your leg. If the tube is in your wrist or your arm, you may come over with a pressure dressing or a pressure device band on it. You'll need to keep your arm flat and still for several hours.

You will be able to sit up, but we limit movement in that arm to help it heal. If the sheath is in your groin, you may hear the nurse talk about a sheath pull. We will remove the tube from your groin. We hold pressure for 20 minutes to help that site heal and stay healed. Once the pressure is released, we put a bandage on there, and you will have to lay flat for two to six hours as determined by your doctor. This is to prevent unnecessary bleeding.

Your Baptist healthcare team will do whatever we can to make you comfortable. We check your vital signs and incision site frequently. You'll receive IV fluids through your IV.

Once your doctor determines it's safe, we will encourage you to drink lots of water to flush the contrast dye out of your system. Once your doctor says it's safe for you to eat and drink, your nurse will let you know. Feel free to ask your nurses or doctors any questions. We're here to care for you.

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Recovering from a Heart Cath Procedure in Lexington, KY