Preoperative Testing Requirements

You can click on each testing type for more information:

Cardiac Catheterization is an invasive procedure used to evaluate the heart’s function. Prior to your cardiac catheterization you may be asked to get blood tests to evaluate your kidneys and make sure you are not anemic.

This procedure requires you to come to the hospital fasting. Specific medications like metformin, may be held for a couple days prior to your procedure.

The cardiac catheterization is a sterile procedure performed with slight sedation (to make you comfortable) in the cath lab suite of the hospital. An interventional cardiologist will access your blood vessels through the wrist or the groin then guide a small hollow tube called a catheter up to the heart where they can measure pressures inside the heart, take pictures of the arteries bringing blood to the heart, and assess how well the heart is pumping.

Often you can go home several hours after your procedure, but you may be asked to spend the night. Come prepared with your toiletries just in case. You will also need a driver to take you home as we do not want you driving for a couple days after sedation.

Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE) – this noninvasive procedure helps the doctor evaluate your heart. Sound waves (ultrasound) are bounced off your heart to determine the size of your heart and the health of the heart’s chambers and valves. No blood test is required for this test.

Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE) – this invasive procedure requires you to come to the hospital fasting. The cardiologist will perform the procedure in the Echo Suite of the Hospital with light sedation. The echo pictures are taken from inside your esophagus (food pipe) which lies just behind the heart. This provides excellent pictures of the valves of the heart. You may be in the observation unit for a few hours after the procedure. You will also need a driver for the trip home as we do not want you driving for a couple days after any kind of sedation.

Computed Tomography (CT) Angiography – this is a test that uses computer guided x-rays to provide detailed pictures used to size the blood vessels, and the valves in the heart. It shows any blocked blood vessels, where the blockages occur, and if there is a bulge (aneurysm) or tear (dissection) in the aorta.

Prior to your CT you may be asked to get blood tests to evaluate your kidneys. Some medications like metformin, may be held for a couple days prior to your CT Scan. If you have allergies to Contrast or Iodine, please alert our team prior to scheduling your CT Scan.