Cardiac catheterization is a procedure used to diagnose and treat certain heart conditions. It is performed by a cardiologist, a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating heart conditions. During the procedure, a thin tube called a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel in the arm or groin and threaded through the blood vessels to the heart.
When Would a Cardiac Catheterization Be Needed?
A cardiac catheterization may be recommended if you have symptoms of a heart condition, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or an irregular heartbeat. It can also be used to diagnose and treat certain heart conditions, such as coronary artery disease, heart valve problems, and congenital heart defects.
How Does the Test Work?
During the procedure, a cardiologist will insert a thin tube called a catheter into a blood vessel in the arm or groin and thread it through the blood vessels to the heart. The catheter is then used to inject a dye into the heart, which allows the cardiologist to see the heart and its blood vessels on an X-ray. The cardiologist can then diagnose and treat certain heart conditions.
Additional Imaging Procedures
In addition to the cardiac catheterization, other imaging procedures may be used to diagnose and treat heart conditions. These include echocardiography, which uses sound waves to create images of the heart, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the heart and its blood vessels.
How Do I Prepare for the Test?
Before the test, your doctor will ask you about any allergies you may have and any medications you are taking. You may also be asked to stop taking certain medications before the test. Your doctor may also ask you to fast for several hours before the test.
What to Bring
When you come for the test, you should bring a list of all the medications you are taking, including any over-the-counter medications and supplements. You should also bring a list of any allergies you have.
What to Expect Before the Test
Before the test, you will be asked to change into a hospital gown and lie on an X-ray table. The cardiologist will then insert a catheter into a blood vessel in your arm or groin and thread it through the blood vessels to the heart.
What to Expect During the Test
During the test, you may feel some pressure or discomfort as the catheter is inserted. You may also feel a warm sensation as the dye is injected into the heart. The cardiologist will then take X-rays of the heart and its blood vessels.
Cardiac Catheterization Procedure
The cardiologist may also perform interventional procedures, such as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), during the cardiac catheterization. During PCI, the cardiologist will use the catheter to insert a stent into a blocked artery to improve blood flow to the heart.
What to Expect After the Test
After the test, you may be asked to lie still for a few hours to allow the catheter site to heal. If you had a catheter in your arm, you may be asked to keep your arm elevated for a few hours. If you had a catheter at your groin, you may be asked to keep your leg elevated for a few hours.
Cardiac Catheterization Recovery
After the test, you should be able to go home the same day. You may experience some soreness or bruising at the catheter site, but this should go away in a few days. You should also avoid strenuous activity for a few days after the test.
What Are the Risks of This Test?
Cardiac catheterization is generally a safe procedure, but there are some risks. These include bleeding, infection, and damage to the blood vessels or heart. Your doctor will discuss the risks with you before the test.
What Type of Results Do You Get and What Do the Results Mean?
The results of the test will show the cardiologist the structure of the heart and its blood vessels. The results can help the cardiologist diagnose and treat certain heart conditions.
When Should I Know the Results of the Test?
The results of the test will usually be available within a few days. Your doctor will discuss the results with you and explain what they mean.
When Should I Call My Healthcare Provider?
If you experience any pain or discomfort at the catheter site, you should call your healthcare provider. You should also call your healthcare provider if you experience any other symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or an irregular heartbeat.
How Long Does a Cardiac Catheterization Last?
The procedure usually takes about an hour, but it can take longer if interventional procedures, such as PCI, are performed.
Will I Be Awake During My Cardiac Catheterization?
Yes, you will be awake during the procedure. You may be given a sedative to help you relax.
Is a Cardiac Catheterization Considered Surgery?
No, a cardiac catheterization is not considered surgery. It is a minimally invasive procedure that does not require an incision.
How Long Does It Take to Recover From a Heart Catheterization?
Most people can go home the same day and resume normal activities within a few days. You should avoid strenuous activity for a few days after the test.
References
- American Heart Association. (2020). Cardiac Catheterization. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cardiac-catheterization
- Mayo Clinic. (2020). Cardiac Catheterization. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cardiac-catheterization/about/pac-20384590
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2020). Cardiac Catheterization. Retrieved from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/cardiac-catheterization
Keywords: cardiac catheterization, heart condition, catheter, X-ray, interventional procedures, PCI, cardiac catheterization recovery