Cardiac Catheterization
Cardiac Catheterization is a test where a doctor puts a small hollow tube (catheter) into a blood vessel and then moves it up into the heart. This test site will be numb before the tube is put in. This catheter is used to record pressures in your heart and to inject a dye (contrast medium) into the heart to allow X-rays to be made. The actual procedure usually lasts 20–30 minutes, but you can plan to be in the Cath lab for 4 hours, this includes recovery time. Your family will be updated on your progress.
Why is this test done?
Reasons your doctor may want to do this test are: abnormal heart beat, abnormal stress test, chest pain, shortness of breath, heart murmurs or blocked vessels. This test will check how well your heart pumps, look for blockages, and will check the heart valves.
What happens during the test?
- Your doctor will use medicine to numb the cleaned area. The medicine stings and burns in the beginning, but after a few seconds you will only feel pressure in that area. If you feel any discomfort, please tell the doctor or nurse.
- A small tube will be placed in the blood vessel.
- Your doctor will pass a catheter through the small tube and into your heart. Once the catheter reaches your heart you may feel extra heartbeats.
- X-ray dye will be injected through the catheter so the doctor can get pictures of your heart. This may cause you to feel warm, which is normal.
- If you feel any discomfort, tell someone immediately.
Certain medications can affect your outcomes.
Please discuss all medications (including vitamins and/or dietary supplements) with your health care provider prior to having a cardiac catheterization procedure.
Treatment Options
If coronary artery disease is diagnosed during the test the one or more of the following treatments may be recommended:
- Lifestyle management
- Medications
- Angioplasty
- Stent
- Heart Bypass Surgery
