Cardiac Catheterization
What it is
A cardiac catheterization (often called a "cardiac cath") is a procedure used to
diagnose heart conditions. A thin, flexible tube (catheter) is inserted into a blood vessel usually in the groin or wrist and guided to your heart. Once there, your doctor can measure pressures, check how well your heart pumps, and look for blockages in your arteries.
What to Expect:
-
You will be awake but given medication to help you relax.
-
A special dye is injected through the catheter so your heart and arteries show up clearly on X-ray screens (this is called an angiogram).
-
The procedure usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions :
You may feel a brief sting when the numbing medicine is applied to the insertion site. You might also feel a warm "flush" throughout your body when the dye is injected, but the procedure itself is not typically painful.
Most patients go home the same day. You will need to rest for a few hours and avoid heavy lifting for several days.