CARDIAC CATHETERIZATION AND ANGIOGRAM

Cardiac catheterization is a special test done to look at the arteries that feed the heart. The test involves the passage of a very long narrow, hollow tube to the heart or to the blood vessels that nourish the heart. This tube is called a catheter. To get the tube to the heart, it is passed through a blood vessel in the arm or the groin. A cardiac catheterization test is usually done in a hospital or a special laboratory.

It is an accurate way to gather information about the heart. Your healthcare provider can use the information to diagnose and treat heart problems effectively.

To prepare for the procedure, you will be asked not to eat or drink anything for at least 12 hours before the test. You will be given medication to relax you, but you will be awake for the procedure. You will also be given a shot to numb the area where the catheter is inserted.

During this procedure, the heart activity is monitored and the blood flow in the heart is measured. Instruments can be passed through the catheter to treat the heart or its blood vessels.

During a cardiac catheterization procedure, an angiogram may be performed. An angiogram is the injection of a special dye into the heart or its blood vessels that shows up on an x-ray. The dye is injected through the catheter. The procedure identifies any blockage in the coronary arteries, the blood vessels that supply the heart. The angiogram can also show how the heart is beating and how the blood flows through the heart. There may be some bruising or discomfort at the site of the catheter entry.

Cardiac catheterization and angiogram are safe procedures with minimal risks. Some people can be allergic to the dye used during an angiogram. If you have ever had a reaction to a test that involves x-ray dyes, even a gall bladder test, you should tell your provider.

After the procedure, a swollen bruise may appear where the catheter was inserted. The area may be sore for a few days. You will be instructed to avoid strenuous activity for a few days in order to prevent bleeding at the site.

If you or someone in your family needs one of these tests, ask your provider to discuss the risks and benefits of the test with you.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File TEST5232.rf2 VRS# 6110 Data Version 7.0