Cardiac Catheterization Recovery

Cardiac catheterization recovery begins immediately after the procedure. While still in the hospital, you will be asked to rest the limb where the catheter entry site is and drink extra fluids for the next 24 hours. As you leave the hospital to continue your cardiac catheterization recovery at home, your doctor will provide you with specific wound-care instructions and instructions for driving, activity level, and medication.

Heart Catheterization Procedure

Cardiac Catheterization Recovery in the Hospital

After your cardiac catheterization, you will be moved to a recovery room, where you will be monitored closely. While resting, you will be asked to keep your leg or arm straight, depending on where the catheter entry site is. Your healthcare provider will encourage you to drink fluids during your recovery and for the next 24 hours. This helps flush the dye from your system, and should increase your need to urinate.

Your leg or arm may begin to feel sore when the numbing medicine wears off at the catheter entry site. Keep in mind that pain medicine can be given if you feel any discomfort.

Your healthcare providers want you to recover without any problems, so be sure to report anything that feels abnormal or "not right."

Cardiac Catheterization Recovery at Home

When you leave the hospital to continue your cardiac catheterization recovery, you will be given specific wound-care instructions and discharge instructions with regards to driving, activity level, medication, and any further restrictions necessary.

Your healthcare providers will also go over any symptoms that require immediate medical attention.

Your doctor may also recommend long-term lifestyle alterations, such as changes in diet, activity, and smoking habits.