After Radial Heart Catheterization

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.

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After radial heart catheterization

, your healthcare provider may give you specific instructions to follow while you heal. You will also need to care for the catheter site to prevent infection and help it heal.

What to expect after a radial heart catheterization:

• You will be attached to a heart monitor until you are fully awake. A heart monitor is an EKG that stays on continuously to record your heart's electrical activity. Healthcare providers will monitor your vital signs and pulses in your arm.
• You may have a band wrapped tightly around your wrist. The band puts pressure on your catheter site and helps prevent bleeding. A healthcare provider can put air into the band or remove air from the band. Air from the band will gradually be removed to decrease pressure on your wrist. The band may be removed in 2 hours or when your catheter site stops bleeding. Your pressure bandage will be checked for bleeding or swelling.
• You will need to keep your wrist straight for 2 to 4 hours. Do not push or pull with your arm. Arm movements can cause serious bleeding. After you are monitored for several hours, you may go home or may need to stay in the hospital overnight.

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

• You have chest pain.
• You have any of the following signs of a heart attack:
  • Squeezing, pressure, or pain in your chest
  • You may also have any of the following:
    • Discomfort or pain in your back, neck, jaw, stomach, or arm
    • Shortness of breath
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Lightheadedness or a sudden cold sweat
• You have any of the following signs of a stroke:
  • Numbness or drooping on one side of your face
  • Weakness in an arm or leg
  • Confusion or difficulty speaking
  • Dizziness, a severe headache, or vision loss
• You cough up blood.
• You have trouble breathing.
• You cannot stop the bleeding from your catheter site even after you hold firm pressure for 10 minutes.

Seek care immediately if:

• You have a fever or chills.
• Blood soaks through your bandage.
• Your stitches come apart.
• Your hand or arm feels numb, cool, or looks pale.
• Your catheter site gets swollen quickly.
• Your catheter site is red, swollen, or draining pus.
• Your catheter site looks more bruised, or you have new bruising on the side of your wrist.

Call your cardiologist or doctor if:

• You have nausea or are vomiting.
• Your skin is itchy, swollen, or you have a rash.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Medicines:

You may need any of the following:

• Blood thinners help prevent blood clots. Clots can cause strokes, heart attacks, and death. Many types of blood thinners are available. Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions for the type you are given. The following are general safety guidelines to follow while you are taking a blood thinner:
  • Watch for bleeding and bruising. Watch for bleeding from your gums or nose. Watch for blood in your urine and bowel movements. Use a soft washcloth on your skin, and a soft toothbrush to brush your teeth. This can keep your skin and gums from bleeding. If you shave, use an electric shaver. Do not play contact sports.
  • Tell your dentist and other healthcare providers that you take a blood thinner. Wear a bracelet or necklace that says you take this medicine.
  • Do not start or stop any other medicines or supplements unless your healthcare provider tells you to. Many medicines and supplements cannot be used with blood thinners.
  • Take your blood thinner exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not skip a dose or take less than prescribed. Tell your provider right away if you forget to take your blood thinner, or if you take too much.
• Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines you are using to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
• Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Apply firm, steady pressure if bleeding continues:

A small amount of bleeding from the catheter site is possible. Apply pressure with a clean gauze or towel for 5 to 10 minutes. Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if bleeding becomes heavy or does not stop.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Care for the catheter site:

Most bandages can be removed the day after your procedure. Gently clean the catheter site with soap and water. Do not rub the site. Do not take a bath, swim, or get in a hot tub until your healthcare provider says these are okay. If you need to cough, support the catheter site with your hand.

Activity:

Rest for 1 or 2 days after your procedure. Slowly start to do more each day. Take walks around your house. Make a plan for rest during the day. Your provider will tell you when you can drive, go back to work, or do other activities. The following activity limits will help reduce pressure on your catheter site and prevent bleeding. Follow these guidelines for 1 week , or as directed:

• Do not lift anything heavier than 2 pounds.
• Do not push or pull with the arm used for the procedure.
• Avoid activities that use your arm or wrist, such as tennis, bowling, and golf.

Drink liquids as directed:

Drink extra liquids if contrast liquid was used during your procedure. Liquid will help flush the contrast out of your body. Ask your healthcare provider how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you. Do not drink alcohol for at least 24 hours after your procedure.

Healthy living tips:

The following are general healthy guidelines. If your chest pain is caused by a heart problem, your healthcare provider will give you specific guidelines to follow.

• Manage other health conditions. Diabetes and high cholesterol increases your risk for another heart attack and stroke. Talk to your provider about your management plan.
• Do not smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can cause lung and heart damage. Ask your provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your provider before you use these products.
• Eat a variety of healthy, low-fat, low-salt foods. Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meats, and fish. Ask for more information about a heart healthy diet, such as the DASH Eating Plan.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Ask your provider what a healthy weight is for you. Your provider can help you create a safe weight-loss plan, if needed.
• Ask about vaccines you may need. Some infections can be dangerous for a person who has a heart condition. All adults should get the influenza (flu) vaccine. Get a flu vaccine as soon as recommended each year, usually in September or October. The pneumococcal vaccine is given to adults aged 65 years or older. The vaccine is given every 5 years to prevent pneumococcal disease, such as pneumonia. Get all recommended COVID-19 doses and boosters. Your provider can tell you if you also need other vaccines, and when to get them.

Go to cardiac rehabilitation (rehab), if directed:

Your cardiologist may recommend that you attend cardiac rehab. This is a program run by specialists who will help you safely strengthen your heart and reduce the risk for more heart disease. The plan includes exercise, relaxation, stress management, and heart-healthy nutrition. Healthcare providers will also check to make sure any medicines you are taking are working.

If you have a stent:

• Carry your stent card with you at all times.
• Let all healthcare providers know that you have a stent.
• If you need an MRI, wait at least 6 to 8 weeks after stent placement, or as directed.

Follow up with your cardiologist or doctor as directed:

You may need more tests. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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