Should You Fast Before a Cardiac Test?

If you’re scheduled for an internal heart exam under sedation, recent research might change your pre-procedure routine. A groundbreaking study conducted at a Midwest heart hospital has challenged the conventional wisdom of fasting before certain heart procedures. Here’s what you need to know and how it might affect your next visit to the cardiologist. Understanding the Research In the past, patients undergoing coronary artery catheterization were advised not to eat anything after midnight before their procedure. This practice was based on long-standing anesthesia guidelines that required fasting for six hours or more before procedures involving conscious sedation. However, a randomized controlled trial at the Parkview Heart Institute in Fort Wayne, Ind., has shown that this prolonged fasting might not be necessary. The study, which involved 197 adult patients undergoing elective cardiac catheterization, found that allowing patients to eat a specific diet of low-fat, low-cholesterol, low-sodium, and low-acid solid food until the procedure did not lead to any adverse effects. Tips for Patients Stay Informed: Ask your healthcare provider about the latest research and whether it affects your specific procedure. Stay informed about any changes in protocols that could impact your pre-procedure preparations. Follow Guidelines: While the new study suggests that...