How you prepare

Before a scheduled angioplasty, your doctor will review your medical history and do a physical exam. You may need to have some tests, including a chest X-ray, electrocardiogram and blood tests, before your procedure. Your doctor will also perform an imaging test called a coronary angiogram to see if the arteries to your heart are blocked and if they can be treated with angioplasty.

If your doctor finds a blockage during your coronary angiogram, he or she may decide to perform angioplasty and stenting immediately after the angiogram while your heart is still catheterized.

Your doctor will give you instructions to help you prepare.

• Your doctor may instruct you to adjust or stop taking certain medications before angioplasty, such as aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or blood thinners. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you take, including herbal supplements.
• Usually, you'll need to stop eating or drinking six to eight hours before an angiography.
• Take approved medications with only small sips of water on the morning of your procedure.
• Gather all of your medications to take to the hospital with you, including nitroglycerin, if you take it.
• Arrange for transportation home. Angioplasty usually requires an overnight hospital stay, and you won't be able to drive yourself home the next day.