Why do I Need a Right Heart Cath?

A right heart catheterization (referred to as right heart cath) helps to see how the blood is flowing through the heart and to measure the pressures inside the heart and lungs. The heart doctor will guide a special tube (called a catheter) into your neck or groin vein. The information is used to find the reason for our illness and how to best manage it:

Note: you will see the term ‘puncture site.’ This refers to the area (groin or neck) where the special tube or catheter is placed.

Getting Ready for a Right Heart Cath

• You will have a blood test and an electrical tracing of the heart (EKG)
• Bring your bottles of pills with you
• Bring your Manitoba Health Card
• A nurse will ask you questions about yourself including what pills you are taking, any allergies, as well as explain what pills to take prior to the test
• A nurse will answer your questions about the test
• If you have diabetes, a nurse will give you direction regarding your medications/insulin
• If you take warfarin (Coumadin®) please call 204-235-3838 and leave a message

*You will need to arrange a ride home and have someone to stay with you the night of your test – DO NOT drive yourself

On the Day of the Right Heart Cath

• Do not eat within 2 hours of your appointment time
• You will be allowed to continue with clear fluids up until your test
• This includes things like black coffee (no creamer/milk), water, apple juice or black tea
• Take your heart pills with sips of water
• Do NOT take your water pills

During the Procedure

• The right heart cath will be done in the heart cath lab
• You may wear your dentures, hearing aid or glasses
• An intravenous will be started in your arm
• You will be asked to lie on your back during the procedure
• You may be given a mild sedative to help you relax, but you will not be put to sleep
• The skin over the neck or groin area is cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic (freezing)
• You will recover in the pre and post holding area when the procedure is done

After the Right Heart Cath: While you are in the Hospital

• The tube (catheter) is removed. Firm pressure will be placed on the site (groin or neck) for a few minutes to stop any bleeding
• If the neck vein was used, you will be able to sit up. If the groin was used, you will have to lie flat for 1-2 hours
• You will be able to eat and drink after the procedure. The nurse will check your blood pressure, pulse and your groin or neck area often
• The heart doctor will discuss the finding of the heart cath with you. However, your family doctor will be the doctor who decides next steps

After the Right Heart Cath: At Home

Care of the Puncture site:

Bandage: any bandage should be removed in 24 hours.

Hygiene: You may shower after removing the bandages. Showers are better than baths until the puncture site is healed.

Bleeding: The puncture site should not bleed. If bleeding should occur, lie down immediately and try to relax. Apply firm pressure at the puncture site until the bleeding stops.

Most people do not have any problems after a right heart cath. If any one or more of the following occur, go to the nearest Emergency Department or see your own doctor promptly:

• The bleeding at the puncture does not stop with firm pressure
• The puncture site becomes hot and swollen or if any discharge is noted
• Severe pain or swelling at the puncture site
• If your groin was used: severe pain in your lower abdomen above the groin, or a painful, cold, discolored, swollen or numb leg
• Fever, malaise, severe chest pain or sudden shortness of breath

Activity Guidelines:

Driving: Generally you may dive 24 hours after your procedure. If you are travelling for long periods, stretch your legs for 10 minutes after each hour in the car. If you drive a commercial vehicle, please talk to your doctor.

Flying: Please discuss this with your doctor.

Lifting: You should avoid lifting heavy objects (≥ 10 pounds) for 1 week to allow your puncture site to heal. This includes grocery bags, children, exercise weights, etc. You should avoid kneeling or crouching for 48 hours.

Stair Climbing: You should avoid stair climbing for 24 hours. If this is necessary (for example to get to your bedroom) please climb the stairs slowly.

Exercise: Avoid any exercise except walking for the first two days. If you feel alright, walking at a leisurely pace is fine.

Sexual Activity: You may have sex after 48 hours.

Returning to Work: Talk to your doctor about when you can go back to work. The time will depend on how active or stressful your work is. For example, if you have a sedentary job you can usually return to work in 2-3 days. Strenuous or stressful work may require longer (5 days).

This information is meant to be used as a guideline and is not a substitute for any medical advice that you have received. If you have any questions or concerns, please discuss them with the doctor or nurse prior to being discharged from the hospital.

Additional Information