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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Re: Heart Cath on 11/23--what to expect??
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Re: Heart Cath on 11/23--what to expect??
by CCF CARDIO MD DLB, Jan 01, 1995 12:00AM
Posted By CCF CARDIO MD - DLB on November 14, 1998 at 20:49:10:
In Reply to: Heart Cath on 11/23--what to expect?? posted by Susan on November 13, 1998 at 20:46:17:
I am scheduled for heart cath for a closer look at the extent of my aortic stenosis caused by a bicuspid valve from birth. Valve surgery is not scheduled immediately following. That will be the next step once the cath statistics are gathered. I basically understand the procedure, but what I am curious about is how long should it keep someone down? Can I go back to work the next day and on the business trip planned for the next week? Is everyone as nervous as I am? Can that have a negative effect on the process? What would be the reason that they would decide to keep me overnight? How long should I not lift anything? As you can see, I am wondering about the corollary issues that no one ever seems to tell anyone unless you specifically ask. Thanks for any thoughts or experiences.
Susan
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Dear Susan
Generally, you need to lay flat after the cath for six hours. You should be able to go home then, unless the cath is done very late in the day, in which case you may need to stay overnight. You could go back to work in a day or two, depending on how much walking is involved. I would advise against any heavy lifting or strenuous walking for 24 hours; after that, assuming you are healing up well, you should be able to resume your usual activities. Before making any plans for travel, you should discuss the results of the cath with your doctor. Though a cath would not preclude travel the next week, the results of the cath may indicate a need for surgery sooner rather that later. In any case, after the cath, you should ask the cardiologist for specific restrictions and instructions for your individual case.
Some patients are nervous before a cath, though there is no reason to be. You will be given medicines to help you relax at the beginning of the procedure usually. Being nervous will not affect the procedure adversely.
I hope this has been useful. Feel free to write back with further questions. Good luck.
Information provided here is of a general nature. Specific diagnoses and treatments can only be made by your doctor. If you would like to be seen at the Cleveland Clinic, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE for an appointment with a cardiologist at Desk F15.
In Reply to: Heart Cath on 11/23--what to expect?? posted by Susan on November 13, 1998 at 20:46:17:
I am scheduled for heart cath for a closer look at the extent of my aortic stenosis caused by a bicuspid valve from birth. Valve surgery is not scheduled immediately following. That will be the next step once the cath statistics are gathered. I basically understand the procedure, but what I am curious about is how long should it keep someone down? Can I go back to work the next day and on the business trip planned for the next week? Is everyone as nervous as I am? Can that have a negative effect on the process? What would be the reason that they would decide to keep me overnight? How long should I not lift anything? As you can see, I am wondering about the corollary issues that no one ever seems to tell anyone unless you specifically ask. Thanks for any thoughts or experiences.
Susan
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Susan
Generally, you need to lay flat after the cath for six hours. You should be able to go home then, unless the cath is done very late in the day, in which case you may need to stay overnight. You could go back to work in a day or two, depending on how much walking is involved. I would advise against any heavy lifting or strenuous walking for 24 hours; after that, assuming you are healing up well, you should be able to resume your usual activities. Before making any plans for travel, you should discuss the results of the cath with your doctor. Though a cath would not preclude travel the next week, the results of the cath may indicate a need for surgery sooner rather that later. In any case, after the cath, you should ask the cardiologist for specific restrictions and instructions for your individual case.
Some patients are nervous before a cath, though there is no reason to be. You will be given medicines to help you relax at the beginning of the procedure usually. Being nervous will not affect the procedure adversely.
I hope this has been useful. Feel free to write back with further questions. Good luck.
Information provided here is of a general nature. Specific diagnoses and treatments can only be made by your doctor. If you would like to be seen at the Cleveland Clinic, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE for an appointment with a cardiologist at Desk F15.
