Cardiac Catheterization

Cardiac catheterization allows our specialists to diagnose and treat heart conditions through a small incision.

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Cardiac catheterization is a diagnostic and sometimes therapeutic procedure that helps doctors assess how well your heart and blood vessels are working. Using a thin, flexible tube called a catheter, inserted through a blood vessel in the arm or groin, the doctor can reach the heart to take images, measure pressures, and even perform treatments if needed. This minimally invasive approach allows for the diagnosis and treatment of various heart conditions—without the need for open-heart surgery.

What is a Cardiac Catheterization?

Why is the Procedure Performed?

Cardiac catheterization is used to help doctors better understand your heart health. It allows them to:

  • Diagnose and evaluate conditions like coronary artery disease, heart valve problems, and congenital heart defects

  • Measure how well your heart muscle is functioning

  • Decide if additional treatments, such as a coronary intervention or bypass surgery, may be needed

In some cases, treatment can be done during the same procedure - for example, opening a blocked artery with angioplasty or repairing a heart valve.

How is the Cardiac Catheterization Performed?

Cardiac catheterization is done in a special hospital room called a cath lab. You’ll be awake but given local anesthesia to keep you comfortable. Here’s a general idea of what takes place:

  • Getting Ready: The medical team will clean and numb the area where the catheter goes in—usually your wrist or groin.

  • Inserting the Catheter: A small cut is made in the skin, and a thin tube is inserted into a blood vessel. Using live X-ray imaging, the doctor carefully threads the tube up to your heart.

  • Looking Inside the Heart: A contrast dye is injected through the catheter, which helps highlight the heart and blood vessels on X-rays. This lets your doctor see how everything is functioning and, if necessary, fix problems like blocked arteries right then and there.

  • Finishing Up: After the images and any needed treatments are complete, the catheter is removed, and the team will apply pressure to the spot where it was inserted to stop any bleeding.

What are the Risks and Benefits?

Benefits of Cardiac Catheterization

  • Offers a clear and detailed view of how your heart and blood vessels are working

  • Helps diagnose a wide variety of heart conditions with precision

  • Can often be used to treat problems at the same time they're found

  • Minimally invasive, which usually means less pain and a quicker recovery compared to traditional surgery

Possible Risks to Be Aware Of

  • Minor bleeding or bruising at the catheter insertion site

  • Infection at the insertion site

  • Allergic reaction to the contrast dye

  • Damage to a blood vessel (rare)

  • Heart attack (rare)

  • Stroke (rare)

  • Risk level may vary based on overall health and medical history

Preparing for Your Cardiac Catheterization Procedure

What to Expect

During your cardiac catheterization procedure, you’ll remain awake, but you may receive medication to help you feel calm and relaxed. The area where the catheter is inserted—typically your wrist or groin—will be numbed to minimize discomfort. Some patients feel a warm sensation when the contrast dye is injected, or a brief pressure as the catheter moves through the heart. The procedure usually takes anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on whether any treatments are performed at the same time.

How to Prepare for Your Procedure

During your cardiac catheterization procedure, you’ll remain awake, but you may receive medication to help you feel calm and relaxed. The area where the catheter is inserted—typically your wrist or groin—will be numbed to minimize discomfort. Some patients feel a warm sensation when the contrast dye is injected, or a brief pressure as the catheter moves through the heart. The procedure usually takes anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on whether any treatments are performed at the same time.

Medications to Discuss Before the Procedure

  • Blood Thinners
    These may need to be stopped temporarily to reduce bleeding risk.

  • Diabetes Medications
    Dosing adjustments may be needed, particularly if you use insulin.

  • Herbal Supplements
    Be sure to mention any herbal products you use, as some can interfere with the procedure or healing.

What to Bring with You

  • A complete list of your current medications, including doses

  • Photo ID and insurance information

  • Any paperwork provided by your doctor

  • Optional comfort items like a book, magazine, or music with headphones to help you relax before the procedure

After the Procedure

Once your procedure is complete, you’ll be moved to a recovery area. Your care team will monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. They’ll also watch the insertion site for any signs of bleeding or swelling.

Tips for a Healthy Recovery

  • Stay Hydrated
    Drinking fluids can help your body eliminate the contrast dye, unless your doctor says otherwise.

  • Eat Heart-Healthy Foods
    A balanced diet supports healing and long-term heart health.

  • Watch for Signs of Complications
    Monitor the insertion site and how you’re feeling overall in the days following your procedure.

When to Call Your Doctor

Contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency care if you experience:

  • Chest pain or shortness of breath

  • Significant bleeding or swelling at the catheter site

  • Fever or signs of infection (such as redness, warmth, or drainage at the insertion site)

  • Ongoing or severe pain at the insertion site

Have a Question? Check Here!

  • Cardiac catheterization is a procedure that helps doctors see how well your heart is functioning. It can diagnose or treat certain heart conditions by allowing access to your heart and blood vessels.

  • You may need to stop eating or drinking for several hours before the procedure and review your medications with your doctor ahead of time.

  • You’ll be awake but relaxed, and a small tube (catheter) will be inserted through your wrist or groin to reach your heart. The procedure is usually not painful and takes one to a few hours.

  • While complications are rare, risks may include bleeding, infection, or an allergic reaction to contrast dye.

  • You’ll need to rest and be monitored for a few hours, and most people go home the same day or the next. It's normal to feel tired for a day or two.

  • You can usually return to regular activities within a day or two, but your doctor will give you specific instructions based on your health and how the procedure went.

  • Keep the site clean and dry, and follow your provider’s instructions on bandage changes and signs to watch for.

  • Call your doctor if you experience chest pain, trouble breathing, a fever, or unusual bleeding, swelling, or redness at the insertion site.

  • Depending on what was found or treated during the procedure, your doctor may prescribe new medications, especially to prevent blood clots.

  • Once you’re fully awake and stable, you’ll be allowed to eat and drink—often starting with water and light food.

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