Fort Wayne, Ind.-based Parkview Heart Institute researchers found that fasting before a cardiac catheterization may be unnecessary and result in lower patient satisfaction.
The study, published Jan. 1 in the American Journal of Critical Care, analyzed outcomes and safety risks in 197 patients undergoing elective cardiac catheterization in an inpatient cardiac unit. Patients were either instructed to fast for at least six hours before the procedure or allowed to eat a heart-healthy diet with low-acid options until the scheduled procedure.
The study found the fasting group had lower satisfaction scores than those who were allowed to eat before the procedure. No patients experienced an adverse effect such as pneumonia aspiration, intubation or hypoglycemia following the procedure, and fatigue, glucose levels, gastrointestinal issues and loading dose of antiplatelet medication did not differ between groups.
"Allowing patients to eat before elective cardiac catheterization posed no safety risk and benefited patient satisfaction and overall care," the study authors wrote. "The results of this study may help identify best practice for allowing patients to eat before elective procedures using conscious sedation. Requiring patients to fast has negative effects such as general discomfort, irritability, dehydration, increased thirst and hunger, and hypoglycemia. Currently, no evidence supports the fasting requirements for patients at low to medium risk who are scheduled for cardiac catheterization."