Saturday, February, 11, 2012

Cardiac catheterization

Table of Contents

Tell your doctor if you:

  • Are allergic to seafood
  • Have had a bad reaction to contrast material or iodine in the past
  • Are taking Viagra
  • Might be pregnant

How the test will feel

The study is done by trained cardiologists with the assistance of trained technicians and nurses.

You will be awake and able to follow instructions during the test. You will usually get a mild sedative 30 minutes before the test to help you relax. The test may last 30 - 60 minutes.

You may feel some discomfort at the site where the catheter is placed. Local anesthesia will be used to numb the site, so the only sensation should be one of pressure at the site. You may experience some discomfort from having to remain still for a long time.

After the test, the catheter is removed. You might feel a firm pressure, used to prevent bleeding at the insertion site. If the catheter is placed in your groin, you will usually be asked to lie flat on your back for a few hours after the test to avoid bleeding. This may cause some mild back discomfort.


Why the test is performed

In general, this procedure is done to get information about the heart or its blood vessels or to provide treatment in certain types of heart conditions. It may also be used to determine the need for heart surgery.

Your doctor may perform cardiac catheterization to:

  • Diagnose or evaluate coronary artery disease
  • Diagnose or evaluate congenital heart defects
  • Diagnose or evaluate problems with the heart valves
  • Diagnose causes of heart failure or cardiomyopathy

The following may also be performed using cardiac catheterization:

  • Repair of certain types of heart defects
  • Repair of a stuck (stenotic) heart valve
  • Opening of blocked arteries or grafts in the heart

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Review Date: 04/23/2009
Reviewed By: Steven Kang, MD, Division of Cardiac Pacing and Electrophysiology, East Bay Arrhythmia, Cardiovascular Consultants Medical Group, Oakland, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)