Heart Cath While on Coumadin

[blessed1416]

What is involved in having a heart catherization while a person is on coumadin? Is a person usually admitted to the hospital and given heparin or what is the normal protocol? Just wondering. Thanx!!

 

[Ross]

That would be the proper way to do it, but most don't. Most have you stop 3 to 5 days before the cath and restart after the procedure. Risky, yes, but as they say, the risk is minimal. Not that I'm advising to just stop without a bridge.

 

[geebee]

My last heart cath was done fully anti-coagulated and I had no problems. I was in longer than normal after the test with sand bags on the incision but I think they use "plugs" now (although I don't know how those work). If your cardio doesn't want to do the cath while on coumadin, I would insist on bridging of some type.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

I was admitted on a Saturday (via ER), put on Lovenox (through Monday morning) BEFORE the cath which was scheduled for Tuesday.

I had to threaten to 'shake the walls' (i.e. call my cardio) to get a Lovenox injection 24 hours AFTER the cath. Seems like NOBODY was responsible for the Bridging Schedule. Good thing I had been through it twice before! My nurse said "but you got your Coumadin last night", CLUELESS that it takes 3 to 4 days to be fully metabolized. SHEESH !

See my thread about "BP Cuff from Hell" that maxed out (300 psi?) and turned my arm Purple from biceps to wrist while on Lovenox.

'AL Capshaw'