Cardiac catheterization
About this test
Cardiac catheterization (kath-uh-tur-ih-ZAY-shun) is a test or treatment for certain heart or blood vessel problems, such as clogged arteries or irregular heartbeats. It uses a thin, hollow tube called a catheter. The tube is guided through a blood vessel to the heart. Cardiac catheterization gives important details about the heart muscle, heart valves and blood vessels in the heart.
Why it's done
Cardiac catheterization is a common method to diagnose or treat a variety of heart problems. For example, your doctor may suggest cardiac catheterization if you have: Irregular heartbeats, called arrhythmias. Chest pain, called angina. Heart valve problems. Other heart problems. You might need cardiac catheterization if you have, or your doctor thinks you have: Coronary artery disease. Congenital heart disease. Heart failure. Heart valve disease. Damage to the walls and inner lining of tiny blood vessels in the heart, called small vessel disease or coronary microvascular disease. During cardiac catheterization, a doctor can: Look for narrowed or blocked blood vessels that could cause chest pain. Measure pressure and oxygen levels in different parts of the heart. See how well the heart pumps blood. Take a sample of tissue from your heart for examination under a microscope. Check the blood vessels for blood clots. Cardiac catherization may be done at the same time as other heart procedures or heart surgery.
Risks and complications
Major complications of cardiac catheterization are rare. But possible risks of cardiac catheterization may include: Bleeding. Blood clots. Bruising. Damage to the artery, heart or the area where the catheter was inserted. Heart attack. Infection. Irregular heart rhythms. Kidney damage. Stroke. Allergic reactions to the contrast dye or medicines. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, tell your health care team before having cardiac catheterization.
How to prepare
Your health care team tells you how to plan for your specific procedure. Some things you might have to do before cardiac catheterization are: Do not eat or drink anything for at least six hours before your test, or as told by your health care team. Food or liquids in the stomach can increase the risk of complications from medicines used to put you in a sleep-like state during the procedure. You usually can have something to eat and drink soon after the procedure. Tell your health care team about all the medicines you take. Some medicines may need to be temporarily stopped before cardiac catheterization. For example, your doctor may tell you to briefly stop taking any blood thinners, such as warfarin (Jantoven), aspirin, apixaban (Eliquis), dabigatran (Pradaxa) and rivaroxaban (Xarelto). Let your health care team know if you have diabetes. Sometimes dye, called contrast, is used during cardiac catheterization. Some types of contrast may increase the risk of side effects of some diabetes medicines, including metformin. Your health care team will give you instructions on what to do if you need this procedure.
Understanding your results
After cardiac catheterization, a member of your health care team talks to you and explains any results. If a blocked artery is found during cardiac catheterization, the doctor may treat the blockage right away. Sometimes a stent is placed to keep the artery open. Ask your doctor whether this is a possibility before your cardiac catheterization begins.
Disclaimer: August is a health information platform and its responses don't constitute medical advise. Always consult with a licenced medical professional near you before making any changes.