After Radial Artery Access Cardiac Catheterization

You just had a procedure called a cardiac catheterization. This is a procedure used to diagnose or treat some heart problems.  During the procedure you received a local anesthetic to prevent pain at the catheter insertion site.  The catheter is a long, thin tube that is placed inside the artery and guided to your heart. Through the catheter your health care provider can do tests or treatments for your heart.  As you recover, follow the instructions below.

Activity

For the next 24 hour follow these instructions:

• Do not drive or operate heavy machinery.  You will need someone else to drive you home.

• Do not make any important decisions or sign legal documents.

• Do not do any forceful movements with your wrist or arm that was used during the procedure.  This includes supporting your weight when rising from a chair or bed.

• Do not lift anything 5 pounds or more with the hand and arm used in the procedure. (A jug of milk weighs about 5 pounds.)

• You can use your hand and arm for light activity such as writing, typing, eating, and drinking.

For the next 72 hours (3 days) follow these instructions: 

• Avoid lifting anything 30 pounds or more.

• Avoid twisting and turning your wrist.

• Avoid high impact activity, such as running, jumping, and push-ups.

• Do not operate a motorcycle, chainsaw, lawnmower or other equipment that uses the arm.

Home care

• Keep the catheter insertion site clean and dry.

• You should shower and remove the bandage 24 hours after the procedure. 

• Change your bandage every day after you clean the insertion site.

• Clean the site with soap and water from a standing position.

• Look at the insertion site daily until the site heals. Look for signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or drainage.

• Do not put your wrist under water for the first 5 days or until the site heals.

• Do not use any lotions, creams or ointments on your insertion site.

• It is okay if you see a small amount of blood on the bandage.

• You may notice some tingling and bruising at the insertion site.  Your arm may also feel stiff.  These are common side effects and should start feeling better in 2-3 days. 

• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Drink about 6 to 8 glasses of water a day unless your health care provider tells you otherwise.

If the insertion site starts to bleed:

• Have someone apply pressure 1 inch above the site for 15 minutes.

• After the bleeding stops keep your wrist straight for 2 hours and notify your health care provider.

• If the bleeding does not stop call 911.

Taking medications

• Take your medications exactly as directed. Do not skip doses.
• You may need a mild pain medicine such as Tylenol for the first 24 hours.
• Take prescribed antiplatelet medication such as Clopidogrel (Plavix), Prasugrel (Effient), or Ticagrelor (Brilinta) as directed. This is needed to prevent blood clots. Do not stop taking this medication for any reason unless you talk to your cardiologist.  Do not have any dental procedures or any surgeries that are not an emergency for the next 12 months unless you talk to your cardiologist.   If you stop taking this medication too early you can increase your risk of a heart attack and death.
• If you are cannot afford your medication please talk with your health care provider.

Follow-up

• Make a follow-up appointment as directed by your health care provider.
• Ask your health care provider if you qualify for cardiac rehabilitation (“cardiac rehab”).
  • Cardiac rehab is a professionally supervised program designed by your health care team. It will help you recover from your heart problem and reduce your risk of future heart problems. Along with a tailored exercise program, cardiac rehab provides education and counseling to improve health.

When to seek medical attention

Call 911 right away if you have;

• Chest pain that does not go away

• Bleeding at the catheter insertion site that does not stop

Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following:

• Pain, swelling, redness, bleeding, or drainage at the insertion site.

• Severe pain, coldness, or a bluish color in the arm that held the catheter.  If your health care provider's office is closed, go to Emergency Room. 

• Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher