Information on Cardiac Catheterization

Cardiac catheterization is a procedure used to evaluate or diagnose certain conditions such as congenital heart defects, coronary artery disease, causes of heart failure or cardiomyopathy and heart valve problems. It is performed by inserting a catheter, a thin flexible tube, into your heart through a blood vessel.

Preparation

• Do not eat or drink anything for six to eight hours before your test. It is typically performed as an outpatient procedure.

Intravenous Line

• A mild sedative will be administered to you, but you will remain awake for the procedure. The area of the blood vessel to be used (arm, groin or neck) will be cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic before insertion of an intravenous (IV) line.

Catheter

• A catheter is threaded through the IV and into your heart with the aid of an X-ray machine. Real-time X-rays (fluoroscopy) are taken, along with other diagnostic tests, to assist your doctor in the evaluation of your condition.

Tests

• Tests that may be done during cardiac catheterization include collection of blood samples from your heart, measurement of the oxygen in different areas of your heart, measurement of pressure and blood flow in your heart and large arteries, biopsy of your heart muscle and examination of your arteries with X-rays.

Recovery

• Following the procedure you will most likely have to lie flat for a few hours to prevent bleeding, particularly if the catheter was inserted into your groin.

Risks

• Risks of cardiac catheterization include cardiac tamponade, an accumulation of fluid between your heart and it's outer covering; cardiac arrhythmias; bleeding; heart attack; low blood pressure; stroke; reaction to the contrast substance or trauma to the artery.