Cardiac
catheterization is a special type of diagnostic test
that is used to study both the structure and function of your
heart. It is performed by a cardiologist
assisted by nurses
and a team of cardiac catheterization technologists.
During this test, the cardiologist is able to observe the flow
of blood through the coronary
arteries to your heart muscle.
This test is performed by inserting a needle and then a small soft tube called a catheter into an artery, usually in the groin area. It
can also be performed using an artery in your arm or wrist. The cardiologist gently guides the catheter by X-ray through the artery until
it reaches your heart. A dye is injected through the catheter that can be seen by X-ray. It is therefore important to tell your doctor or
X-ray technologist if you have any allergies to X-ray dye. Pictures are taken that can be studied in detail by the cardiologist. You will
receive medication to help you relax and lay quietly while the test is being done.
If a cardiac catheterization is ordered for you, you will receive more information and instructions when the test is scheduled. This test
is performed in a cardiac catheterization laboratory either in the MHVI outpatient building or in the hospital. The procedure usually takes
45 minutes to an hour. If the test is performed using your leg artery, you will be asked to lay flat for approximately four to six hours in
the recovery area or your hospital room.
Cardiac catheterization is a test that helps your doctor determine if there are any blockages in your coronary
arteries. The test determines thelocation and severity of these blockages. The results also show how well your heart muscle and valves are working.
In addition to its use in the diagnosis of heart disease, cardiac catheterization is an important part of the procedures that remove blockages found
in the coronary arteries. These procedures include angioplasty, stent placement and atherectomy. These procedures are discussed in the Therapeutic Procedures section of this manual. You can find more information about cardiac catheterization in the MHVI Cardiac Catheterization Manual.
