Aim: To synthesise international evidence about not fasting before cardiac catheterisation.
Methods: We used a systematic, integrative literature review and applied quality assessment criteria.
Results: Nine of 1,535 articles met the inclusion criteria. Critique and analysis of the literature revealed three themes: (1) Fasting before coronary angiography and angioplasty is associated with perceived risk management, not actual risk management. (2) Not fasting before coronary angiography and angioplasty is considered safe and beneficial for the patient when compared to the risks of fasting. (3) Current practice, evidence and guidelines are inconsistent.
Conclusion: Ongoing concerns regarding not fasting before cardiac catheterisation are related to perceived risk, not actual risk. Indeed, this review indicates that not fasting may optimise patient experience. Further large-scale research is needed in this area to support policy and practice change to a patient-centric fasting protocol.