Cardiac Cath and PCI (Stent)

The day after your procedure:
Remove the bandage at the site and gently clean with soap and water, and pat dry; leave open to air out
You may take a brief shower
Do not apply lotions, powders, ointments, or perfumes unless prescribed by your physician
Check your groin and/or wrist every day. A small amount of soreness and bruising (black and blue) is normal
Do not soak your procedure site in water for 1 week (no baths, swimming, etc.)

If your procedure was done through the wrist, for the next 3 days

Avoid pushing or pulling with the affected wrist, such as pushing up from a seated position
Avoid repeated movement of that hand and wrist, such as typing or hammering
Do not lift anything more than 5 pounds

If your procedure was done through the groin, for the next 5 days

Please take your medications as explained to you (found on your discharge paperwork)
If you have discomfort or soreness, take pain medication as explained at discharge
If you received a stent, you will be taking medication to KEEP YOUR STENT OPEN (refer to the “Keep Your Stent Open Sheet”)
If taking these medications, you must begin taking them immediately and DO NOT STOP taking them without first asking your cardiologist

Follow the heart healthy diet recommended by your doctor
Drink plenty of water for the next 24 hours, unless instructed otherwise
Do not drink any alcoholic beverages for 24 hours (beer, wine, or liquor)
If you smoke, we recommend you quit. It will immediately improve your health
If you would like to let us help you live smoke-free, call the Center for Tobacco Control at (516) 466-1980

Pain

You may have pain after your surgery or procedure at the puncture site or in the artery/vein that has been treated.
Take pain medication as directed by your doctor
Call your doctor if your pain is not getting better within 5 days or if it gets worse
Prescription pain medication should be taken with food, and can cause constipation; an over-the-counter stool softener may be helpful

Nausea

Anesthesia/sedation can upset your stomach
Eat bland foods (Jell-O, crackers, toast) and drink ginger ale if you are nauseous
Drink plenty of fluids, such as water or ginger ale
If your have nausea or vomiting the day after your procedure, call your doctor

Bleeding

You may have a small amount of oozing from your surgical or procedural site
Bleeding at the site can be dangerous and should prompt immediate medical attention

Infection

Your hand or leg becomes blue, feels cold to touch or if you have numbness or tingling.
Bleeding or swelling from your wrist or groin site cannot be controlled or if area becomes very red or hot to touch.
You have pain, pressure, tightness or burning in your chest, arms, jaw or stomach; shortness of breath; nausea or excessive sweating; lightheadedness; dizziness or a fainting spell; or if you have sudden back or stomach pain
You have rapid heartbeat or palpitations
You have bright red blood in large amounts or significant new swelling at the puncture site

Call your doctor if you have severe pain, swelling, redness, heat or yellow drainage at the site or if you have fever or chills.

If you are unable to reach your doctor, contact the Cardiology Office at North Shore University Hospital at: (516) 562-4100