How you prepare

If your doctor recommended a cardiac catheterization, you'll need to follow some steps to prepare for the procedure.

• Don't eat or drink anything for at least six hours before your test, or as directed by your doctor. Having food or liquids in your stomach can increase the risk of complications from anesthesia. Ask the doctor or nurse if you should take your medications with a small amount of water. If you have diabetes, ask for instructions about diabetes medications and insulin. You'll usually be able to have something to eat and drink soon after the procedure.
• Tell your doctor if you take blood thinners. Your doctor may recommend that you stop medications that may thin your blood, such as warfarin (Jantoven), aspirin, apixaban (Eliquis), dabigatran (Pradaxa) and rivaroxaban (Xarelto).
• Tell your doctor if you take diabetes medications. Certain dyes used during some cardiac catheterization procedures can increase the risk of side effects of some diabetes medications, including metformin.
• Take all your medications and supplements with you to the test. It's best if you take the original bottles so that your doctor will know the exact dose you take.