Patient Guide
Before Your Procedure
Preparation varies depending on the investigation or procedure. This guide explains what preparation generally involves. Always follow the individual instructions provided by your clinical team.
On this page
Getting ready
Before Your Appointment
Good preparation helps the team to plan your procedure safely. Gather the following where it applies to you:
Symptom history
When symptoms occur, how long they last and what you notice.
Medication list
Everything you take, including supplements.
Previous rhythm results
Earlier ECG or monitoring recordings, where available.
Cardiac reports
Relevant earlier reports about your heart.
Known allergies
Any allergies or reactions to medicines or materials.
Previous procedures
Earlier heart procedures or operations.
The care team will tell you if any additional paperwork or information is needed.
The general route
Preparation at a Glance
The details vary by procedure. This is a general outline.
Assessment
Your situation and the planned procedure are reviewed.
Medication review
Your medicines are reviewed by the team.
Tests
Tests are arranged where needed.
Instructions
You receive instructions for your procedure.
Procedure day
You arrive and are prepared by the team.
Tell the team
Medication Review
Tell your clinical team about all the medicines you take, including prescription medicines, medicines you buy yourself and supplements. This helps the team to decide what is appropriate for your procedure.
Do not stop, start or change any medicine unless your treating team has told you to do so. Medicine instructions are individual.
Assessment
Tests Before a Procedure
Depending on the procedure and your situation, the clinical assessment may include some of the following. Not everyone has every test.
Rhythm
ECG and rhythm monitoring
A recording of the heart’s electrical activity, short or longer-term.
Blood
Blood tests
Where the team needs more information about your general health.
Imaging
Heart imaging
For example an ultrasound of the heart or other imaging, where appropriate.
Additional tests may be suggested if the team needs more information.
Following instructions
Eating and Drinking
Some procedures need an empty stomach, particularly where sedation or anaesthesia is used. Others do not. The requirements differ between procedures, so follow the procedure-specific instructions you are given.
If you are unsure, ask the care team before the day of the procedure.
Practical points
What to Bring
- Medication information
- Relevant reports and earlier test results
- Identification, if the healthcare provider asks for it
- Your questions and notes about your symptoms
Prompts, not rules
Questions to Ask
You may find it helpful to ask:
- What procedure am I having, and why?
- What should I do with my medicines?
- Do I need to fast?
- What should I expect afterwards?
- Will I need someone to accompany me?
Procedure-specific information
Procedure-specific Guides
Preparation is not the same for every procedure. Each page below explains what the procedure involves.
An assessment of the heart’s electrical activity from inside the heart.
Catheter-based treatment of rhythm problems.
A procedure designed for atrial fibrillation.
A planned procedure to restore a normal rhythm.
An implanted device for slow or interrupted rhythms.
An implanted device for dangerous fast rhythms.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do about my medicines?
Do not change anything unless your treating team tells you to. Bring a list of what you take.
Do I need to fast?
This depends on the procedure. Follow the instructions you are given.
Will I need tests before the procedure?
Possibly. Which tests are needed depends on the procedure and your situation.
Can someone come with me?
Ask the care team. They can advise you about this for your procedure.
What if I feel unwell before the procedure?
Tell your care team. They can advise you what to do.
Is the preparation the same for every procedure?
No. Preparation differs between procedures and between patients.
Who do I ask if I am unsure about an instruction?
Ask the care team who gave you the instruction.
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