When you arrive at the hospital or cardiac care facility you will be taken to a procedure room. Healthcare professionals will greet and assist you if needed, as you change into a gown and lie on a bed. Your privacy will be maintained at all times and the staff will make every effort to keep you warm and comfortable. During this time, be prepared for questions about your past medical history, your medications and allergies. It may be helpful to bring a list of your current medications with you.

When you are ready, your healthcare professional will insert an intravenous or IV into your arm using a small needle. This may feel slightly uncomfortable, like a small pinch. You may be given drugs and fluids through your IV during the procedure, to relax and comfort you. You will feel sleepy, and may indeed fall asleep. If you do fall asleep, you will probably not remember the procedure.

Patches will be applied to the skin of your chest, arms or legs for electrocardiogram, or EKG. An EKG records the electrical activity of your heart.