What To Expect Before Coronary Angioplasty
Meeting With Your Doctor
A cardiologist (a doctor who treats people with
heart conditions) performs coronary angioplasty at a hospital. If your
angioplasty isn't done as emergency treatment, you'll meet with your
cardiologist before the procedure. Your doctor will go over your medical
history (including the medicines you take), do a physical exam, and talk about
the procedure with you. Your doctor also will order some routine tests,
including:
When the procedure is scheduled, you will be
advised:
- When to begin fasting (not eating or drinking)
before the procedure. Often you have to stop eating or drinking by midnight the
night before the procedure.
- What medicines you should and shouldn't take on
the day of the angioplasty.
- When to arrive at the hospital and where to
go.
Even though angioplasty takes 1 to 2 hours, you will
likely need to stay in the hospital overnight. In some cases, you will need to
stay in the hospital longer. Your doctor may advise you not to drive for a
certain amount of time after the procedure, so you may have to arrange for a
ride home. |