Bleeding or Hematoma After Cardiac Catheterization

Home care

For the next 48 hours:

• Don't do any strenuous activity.

• Don't climb any stairs if possible.

• Don't lift anything greater than 5 pounds.

• If the puncture site is in your arm or wrist, don't lie on that arm.

• If your puncture site is in the groin, don't strain at bowel movements.

• Don't scrub the site when bathing. It's fine to get it wet after your health care provider says it's okay, but don't scrub it or massage it. Don't take a tub bath for 3 days after the procedure.

• Don't drive for the next 48 hours.

If bleeding happens again, call 911. Take the following steps to stop the bleeding until help arrives:

• Lie on your back.

• Place a clean cloth or gauze pad over the puncture site. Then hold firm pressure right on the site. Or have someone else apply firm pressure using the gauze pad or washcloth.

• If the site is in your arm or wrist, keep your arm straight and raised above the level of your heart. If the site is in your groin, have someone else hold pressure on the site.

• Don't press too hard! If you press too hard, your leg and foot (or arm and hand) will not get blood flow, and the skin under your toenails or fingernails may turn white. The skin should look pink, like the toenails on your other foot. When the toenail is pressed, it will turn white, but when you stop pressing on the nail it will turn pink again. This is called "capillary refill." If there is someone with you, they can check it.

• If your toes, foot, or leg start feeling numb, tingly, or cold, ease up on the pressure. You are probably pressing too hard.

• As soon as emergency care arrives, they will take over your care.

Follow-up care

Follow up with your health care provider, or as advised. Ask your provider for a contact number to call.

Call 911

Call 911 if any of these occur:

• Chest pain or pressure

• Any bleeding from the site

• Feeling weak or faint

• Trouble breathing

• Lump (hematoma) is quickly getting larger

• Coolness, numbness, tingling, or skin color changes in the leg or arm with the puncture site

When to get medical advice

Contact your health care provider or get medical care right away if you have:

• Increased pain, redness, swelling, or drainage from the puncture site.

• Nausea or vomiting.

• A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your provider.