Preparation Instructions for Your Heart Procedure

• Please do not eat or drink anything after midnight the evening before your procedure.
  
  
• Medications normally taken in the morning should be taken with small sips of water (unless listed below.)
• If you are taking Coumadin, you will most likely be required to hold this medication for approximately three days prior to your procedure, as determined by your doctor. Consult your physician before stopping or changing dosing for any medications.
  
  
• If you are diabetic and taking oral diabetic medication or insulin, please hold this the morning of your procedure. If you take Insulin, please contact our office for further instructions. If you use a glucometer, please check your blood sugar before leaving home and report results to your nurse on arrival.
  
  
• On the day of your procedure please bring all of your prescription drugs in their actual bottles, including all over the counter medications.
  
  
• Remove any nail polish from your fingernails as it interferes with some of our clinical equipment.
  
  
• If you normally wear dentures, glasses, or a hearing assist device, you may wear them during the procedure.
  
  
• Plan to spend approximately ten to14 hours at the hospital. You will not be able to drive 24 to 48 hours after your procedure, so please remember to make transportation arrangements.
  
  
• Please bring an overnight bag with you and leave it in the car. There is a possibility you may have to stay overnight.
  
  
• If you have health care directives (living will) please bring it with you the day of your procedure.