If you have ever been scheduled for a heart catheterization in the past, there is a good chance
you were told the standard- nothing to eat or drink after midnight. However, a new research
analysis asked the question- is this rule truly necessary?
In a recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association researchers
reviewed 8 previously reported trials involving over 3,000 patients. These studies compared
those who fasted before an elective (scheduled) heart cath versus those who ate normally.
Researchers discovered that there was no meaningful difference in complication rates- including
nausea, vomiting, low blood sugar, and even aspiration pneumonia. However, researchers did
discover that patient satisfaction was improved in the patient group who were allowed to eat
beforehand.
Although some higher-risk patients still may benefit from fasting prior to a heart cath, evidence
may point to fasting as the exception instead of the rule for most patients.
Before a heart cath, follow your care team’s instructions but feel empowered to ask if fasting is
truly necessary for your situation.
Resources
https://doi.org/10.1161/JAHA.124.040445
https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehae573
