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Cardiac catheterization is a test that uses a catheter (tube) and x-ray machine to assess the heart and its blood supply.
It is used to find the cause of symptoms, like chest pain, that could mean heart problems.
Cardiac catheterization helps doctors to:
If you are planning to have a cardiac catheterization, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:
Some factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
Your doctor may order:
Talk to your doctor about your medicines. You may be asked to stop taking some medicines before the procedure, like:
Leading up to your procedure:
Local anesthesia will be used at the insertion site. A mild sedative may be given one hour before or through IV during the procedure. This will help you relax.
During the procedure, you will receive IV fluids and medicines. An EKG will be monitoring your heart's activity.
You will be awake but sedated so that you will be more relaxed. Your doctor will ask you to do basic functions such as coughing, breathing out, and holding your breath. If you feel any chest pain, dizziness, nausea, tingling, or other discomfort, tell your doctor.
The area of the groin or arm where the catheter will be inserted is shaved, cleaned, and numbed. A needle will be inserted into a blood vessel. A wire will be passed through the needle and into the blood vessel. The wire will then be guided through until it reaches your heart. A soft, flexible catheter tube will then be slipped over the wire and threaded up to your heart.
The doctor will be taking x-ray pictures during the procedure to know where the wire and catheter are. Dye will be injected into the arteries of the heart. This will make the arteries and heart show up on the x-ray images. You may feel warm during the dye injection.
Once in place, the catheter can be used to take measurements. Blood pressure can be taken within the heart's different chambers. Blood samples may also be taken. Multiple x-ray images will be taken to look for any disease in the arteries. An aortogram may also be done at this time. This step will give a clear image of the aorta (large artery leaving the heart). Once all the tests and images are complete, the catheter will be removed.
Sometimes, the doctor will perform balloon angioplasty and stenting if he finds an area in your arteries that is narrow or clogged. These are procedures that help to open narrowed arteries.
Finally, a bandage will be placed over the groin or arm area.
The procedure takes about 1-2 hours. Preparation before the test will take another 1-2 hours.
Although the procedure is generally not painful, it can cause some discomfort, including:
Pain medicine will be given when needed.
0-1 days
When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:
After arriving home, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:
In case of an emergency, CALL 911 .
RESOURCES:
American Heart Association
http://www.americanheart.org/
Heartinfo.org
http://www.heartinfo.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
About Kids Health
http://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
http://www.heartandstroke.com/
References:
Cardiac Catheterization: A Patient Guide. Center for Cardiovascular Education website. Available at: http://www.healthcentral.com/heart-disease/patient-guide-44528-6.html . Accessed June 10, 2008.
Medical encyclopedia: cardiac catheterization. Medline Plus website. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003419.htm . Accessed June 10, 2008.
Last reviewed July 2010 by Arun Kalyanasundaram, MD, MPH
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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