Cardiac Catheterization

Diagnostic procedure performed to detect problems with the heart and its blood supply.

Parts of the Body Involved

Heart
Leg or arm

Reasons for Procedure

This procedure is generally performed as a diagnostic test after a patient experiences chest pains or other symptoms that could point to a problem with the heart.

Cardiac catheterization helps doctors to:

Identify narrowed or clogged arteries leading to or within the heart
Measure blood pressure within the heart
Evaluate the heart valves functioning
Ascertain how well the four chambers of the heart are functioning
Check for congenital heart defects
Evaluate an enlarged heart
Decide on an appropriate treatment

Risk Factors for Complications during the Procedure

Allergies to medications, shellfish, or x-ray dye
Pre-existing heart or lung conditions
Obesity
Serious recent or chronic illness
Bleeding disorder
Kidney Disease
Debilitation

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

Your doctor will likely do the following:

Blood and urine studies
Electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG)

Outcome

The test results are generally available within 24 hours of the procedure. At that point, your doctor will discuss the findings and suggest appropriate treatment options. In some cases, the results can indicate an immediate need for surgery.

Call Your Doctor If Any of the Following Occurs

Signs of infection, including fever and chills
Extreme sweating or nausea
Leg feels cold, turns white or blue, or becomes numb or tingly
Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge at point of catheter insertion
Extreme pain, including chest pain
Difficulty breathing
Cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or severe nausea or vomiting