Heart Disease Health Center

Heart Disease and Cardiac Catheterization

What Happens After a Cardiac Cath? continued...

You will need to drink plenty of liquids to clear the contrast material from your body.

You may feel the need to urinate more frequently. This is normal. If a urinary catheter was not placed during the procedure, you will need to use a bedpan or urinal until you are able to get out of bed.

Your doctor will tell you if you are able to return home or will need to stay overnight. In either case, you will be monitored for several hours after the procedure.

Treatment, including medications, dietary changes, and future procedures will be discussed with you prior to going home. Care of the wound site, activity, and follow-up care will also be discussed.

Please ask your doctor if you have any questions about cardiac catheterization.