Why is this procedure done?
Cardiac catheterization is also called cardiac cath. It is used to see how well your heart is working. The doctor can also look at the blood vessels in your heart and see if any are blocked. A thin plastic tube, called a catheter, is put inside a blood vessel in your leg or arm. The doctor moves the tube through the blood vessels and into the heart. The doctor can do tests using dye and x-rays to look for clogged heart blood vessels. Other treatments may be done using this same tube. � �
A cardiac cath is done to: � �
- Learn more about your heart problem like narrow blood vessels and heart defects
- See how well your heart is pumping, how the blood is flowing, and what the pressure levels are in your heart
- Take a tissue sample of the heart
- Fix heart problems or treat other problems
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What will the results be?
Your doctor will learn more detailed information about your blood vessels and heart from the cardiac catheterization. Your doctor will be able to know how well your blood flows and how your heart and arteries works. � �
What happens before the procedure?
Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about: � �
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin � �, ibuprofen, Aleve � � (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- Allergies to any drug or other substances. You may be given a dye called "contrast " � for this procedure. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to dye or shellfish.
- If you suspect you are or may be pregnant. This procedure is not often done during pregnancy. The x-rays may harm your baby.
- When you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- If you have kidney disease.
Your doctor will do an exam and may order: � �
- Lab tests
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
- Echocardiogram
- Chest x-ray
- Stress test
You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home. � �
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, the staff will put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. You will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the procedure. You will be awake enough to talk to the doctor.
- Small stickers will be placed on your chest so the doctor can check your heart rate and rhythm.
- Your vital signs will be taken a lot during the procedure.
- The doctor will decide what area to use for your procedure. It will either be the area around your upper thigh (groin), arm, or wrist. This area will be shaved, cleaned, and numbed. The doctors will use a needle to make a hole in the blood vessel. A small wire and tube (catheter) will be passed through the hole. The wire and tube will pass through the blood vessel until they reach your heart.
- The doctor will take x-rays to see where the wire and catheter are located. When the catheter is in the right spot, the wire will be removed. A dye is put in the catheter and into the blood vessels to be able to see them better. You may be asked to stay still and hold your breath for a few seconds. The table may move to take pictures of your heart from different angles.
- Your doctor may measure the blood pressure in your heart. Your doctor may also take blood or tissue samples.
- In some cases, your doctor may do balloon angioplasty and stenting if you have narrowed or blocked arteries.
- In angioplasty, a small balloon at the tip of the tube will be inflated or deflated to keep the arteries open.
- In stenting, a small mesh (stent) is used to support and keep the arteries open.
- When the tests and images are done, the tube will be removed. Your doctor will cover your cut site with clean bandages.
- The procedure takes about 2 to 4 hours.
What happens after the procedure?
You will go to the Recovery Room for a few hours. Your heart rate and blood pressure will be watched closely. The staff will check for groin or arm bleeding. Your doctor may give you drugs for pain. You will have to lie flat for a few hours if your procedure is done through the groin. After a few hours, you can begin to walk around with help. You may be allowed to go home after the procedure, or you may have to stay overnight or longer. � �
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- Ask your doctor if you need to change your diet. You may be told to eat a heart healthy diet that is low in salt and fat. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables.
- Exercise regularly. Ask your doctor what exercise is safe for you. Be sure to ask your doctor before you do any exercise.
- Avoid smoking and beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).
What drugs may be needed?
Talk to your doctor about what drugs you will need to take. If you have been taking drugs for high blood sugar, ask your doctor when you can start taking them again. Talk to your doctor about drugs that may increase bleeding. � �
What problems could happen?
- Irregular heartbeat, stroke, or heart attack
- Blood clots or damage to the blood vessels
- Nerve injury
- Bruising or bleeding at the cut site
- Infection
- Buildup of air in the spaces of the lung and the chest (pneumothorax)
- Allergic reactions to drugs, dyes, or contrast agents
- Kidney problems
- Low blood pressure
When do I need to call the doctor?
Activate the emergency medical system right away if you have signs of a heart attack or stroke. Call 911 in the United States or Canada. The sooner treatment begins, the better your chances for recovery. Call for emergency help right away if you have: � �
- Signs of heart attack:
- Chest pain
- Trouble breathing
- Fast heartbeat
- Feeling dizzy
- Signs of stroke:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
Call your doctor if you have: � �
- Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 � �F (38 � �C) or higher, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, or wound that will not heal.
- Signs of wound infection. These include swelling, redness, warmth around the wound; too much pain when touched; yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge; foul smell coming from the cut site; cut site opens up.
- Problems with taking your drugs
- Arm or leg where the catheter was put in changes color, is cool to touch, or is numb
- Bleeding at the catheter site that does not stop, even with pressure
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Where can I learn more?
American Heart Association � �
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HeartAttack/SymptomsDiagnosisofHeartAttack/Cardiac-Catheterization_UCM_451486_Article.jsp � �
HeartHealthyWomen.Org � �
http://www.hearthealthywomen.org/tests-diagnosis/featured/cardiac-cath.html � �
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute � �
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/cath/ � �
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. � �
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