How do I prepare my child for a heart cath?
Getting your child ready to have this test will depend on the age of your child. For infants and toddlers, bringing a special stuffed animal, blanket or pacifier may help to make them more relaxed during the heart cath. Preschoolers and older children sometimes enjoy watching a favorite video or listening to music. Toddlers may be told they are going to have a special test the night before or the morning of the heart cath. Preschoolers may be told of the heart cath 1 to 2 days before, while older children may be told 1 to 2 weeks before. Older children may have questions of their own; these should be answered honestly. Your child should not eat or drink anything the morning of the procedure. He/she will get medicine to make him/her sleepy and relaxed about 15 to 20 minutes before the heart cath. You will be able to walk to the cath lab with your child but will be asked to leave during the test. How is a heart cath performed? Your child will lie on a special table that has an X-ray mach
