What Is a Cardiac Catheterization Done For?

Cardiac catheterization is a common procedure performed by cardiologists to diagnose or treat certain heart conditions, such as clogged arteries, arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), angina (chest pain), or heart valve problems.

Reasons for cardiac catheterization include:

• Diagnosis of heart conditions
  • Cardiac catheterization can diagnose various heart conditions such as blocked or narrowed coronary arteries, heart valve problems, and heart muscle damage. The procedure allows doctors to see inside the heart and blood vessels and obtain detailed images of the heart's structure and function.
• Angioplasty and stent placement
  • If a blocked coronary artery is found during cardiac catheterization, the doctor may perform an angioplasty to open the blocked vessel. A small balloon is inflated inside the artery to widen it, and a stent (a small, metal mesh tube) may be inserted to keep the artery open.
• Measurement of blood pressure within the heart
  • Cardiac catheterization can be used to measure blood pressure within the heart. The procedure involves threading a catheter into the heart and measuring the pressure at different points. This information can help doctors understand how well the heart is pumping and identify any problems with blood flow.
• Heart valve replacement or repair
  • Cardiac catheterization can be used to replace or repair heart valves. In some cases, the catheterization procedure is used to thread a replacement valve through a blood vessel to the heart rather than performing open-heart surgery.
• Heart muscle perfusion assessment
  • Cardiac catheterization can be used to assess the blood flow to the heart muscle. A special dye is injected into the blood vessels of the heart, and X-rays are taken to show how well the blood is flowing to the heart muscle. This can help doctors identify areas of poor blood flow and potential damage to the heart muscle.
• Electrophysiology (EP) studies
  • Cardiac catheterization can be used to diagnose and treat abnormal heart rhythms. EP studies are conducted during the procedure to identify the location and cause of abnormal heart rhythms and to guide the placement of catheters to treat them.

Symptoms that may require a heart catheterization include chest pain, shortness of breath, and abnormal heart rhythms. Other indications for the procedure include suspected or known blockages in the coronary arteries, heart valve problems, and certain congenital heart defects. Additionally, a heart catheterization may be used to diagnose or monitor conditions such as heart failure, heart attack, and hypertension.

Common symptoms that may require a heart catheterization include:

• Chest pain or discomfort
  • Can be a symptom of numerous heart conditions, such as coronary artery disease, angina, or a heart attack. A heart catheterization can be used to detect blockages in the coronary arteries and determine the severity of the disease.
• Shortness of breath
  • Shortness of breath can be a symptom of numerous heart and lung conditions, such as heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, or a blood clot in the lungs. A heart catheterization can be used to measure the pressure in the heart and lungs and determine the cause of the shortness of breath.
• Heart murmur
  • An unusual sound is heard during a heart examination that can be caused by various conditions, such as a congenital heart defect or valve disease. A heart catheterization can be used to visualize the heart and blood vessels and determine the cause of the murmur.
• Abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG) results
  • An ECG is a test that measures the electrical activity of the heart. Abnormal ECG results can indicate several heart conditions, such as arrhythmias or damage to the heart muscle. A heart catheterization can be used to diagnose and treat these conditions.
• Heart valve problems
  • Can cause various symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and a heart murmur. A heart catheterization can be used to visualize the heart valves and determine the severity of the problem.
• Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
  • A condition that occurs when there is a blockage in the blood vessels that supply blood to the legs. A heart catheterization can be used to diagnose and treat PAD.

A heart catheterization is usually only done when other diagnostic tests and methods have failed to provide an accurate diagnosis or if it is a critical emergency.

Cardiac catheterization is a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure. It is typically performed by a cardiologist or an interventional cardiologist. Your doctor will determine if this procedure is appropriate for you based on your medical history and the results of other diagnostic tests.

Common conditions that necessitate cardiac catheterization include:

• Coronary artery disease (CAD)
  • Cardiac catheterization is often used to diagnose and treat CAD, which occurs when the blood vessels that supply the heart with oxygen and nutrients become narrowed or blocked by plaque buildup.
  • During the procedure, the doctor inserts a thin, flexible tube called a catheter into a blood vessel in the person’s arm or leg and guides it to the heart. They inject a dye into the blood vessels to make them visible on an X-ray. The doctor can use this information to identify any blockages and determine the best course of treatment, such as angioplasty or stenting to open the blocked artery.
• Heart valve problems
  • Cardiac catheterization can be used to diagnose and treat heart valve problems, such as stenosis (narrowing) or regurgitation (leaking).
  • During the procedure, the physician can use the catheter to measure the pressure and blood flow through the heart's valves and determine the best course of treatment, such as valve repair or replacement surgery.
• Aortic stenosis
  • A condition in which the aortic valve, which is responsible for pumping blood out of the heart, becomes narrowed, making it difficult for blood to flow through.
  • Cardiac catheterization can be used to diagnose this condition and determine the best course of treatment, such as valve replacement surgery.
• Pulmonary hypertension
  • Cardiac catheterization can also be used to diagnose and evaluate the severity of pulmonary hypertension, which is high blood pressure in the lungs.
  • During the procedure, the physician can measure the pressure in the lungs and determine the best course of treatment, such as medication or surgery.
• Cardiomyopathy
  • Cardiac catheterization can be used to determine the cause of cardiomyopathy (a disease of the heart muscle that can lead to heart failure).
• Congenital heart disease
  • Cardiac catheterization is often used to diagnose and treat congenital heart disease (a heart defect that is present at birth).
  • During the procedure, the physician can use the catheter to evaluate the blood flow through the heart's chambers and vessels and determine the best course of treatment, such as surgery.

A cardiologist may order cardiac catheterization to diagnose and treat certain heart conditions. The procedure involves threading a thin tube, called a catheter, through a blood vessel in the arm or leg and into the heart.

A cardiologist can order cardiac catheterization for the following reasons:

• To diagnose and evaluate coronary artery disease (CAD)
  • Cardiac catheterization is often used to diagnose and evaluate the extent of blockages in the coronary arteries, which can be a sign of CAD. The procedure can be used to determine the blood flow to the heart muscle, which can help identify areas of the heart that may be damaged or not getting enough oxygen.
• To evaluate heart valve function
  • Cardiac catheterization can be used to evaluate the function of the heart valves, which can help identify any problems with the valves and determine the best course of treatment.
• To diagnose and treat structural heart problems
  • Cardiac catheterization can be used to diagnose and treat structural heart problems, such as congenital heart defects, leaky heart valves, and dilated cardiomyopathy.
• To perform interventional procedures
  • Cardiac catheterization can be used to perform interventional procedures, such as angioplasty and stenting, which can help open up blocked or narrowed coronary arteries and improve blood flow to the heart.
• To assess heart function
  • Cardiac catheterization can also be used to assess heart function by measuring the pressure and blood flow in the chambers of the heart, which can help identify any problems with the heart's pumping ability.
• To perform biopsies
  • Cardiac catheterization can be used to perform biopsies of the heart, which can be used to diagnose certain types of heart disease.

Cardiac catheterization allows the cardiologist to see inside the heart and blood vessels, measure blood flow, and take pictures of the heart and blood vessels to check for problems such as blockages or defects. Moreover, the procedure can be used to treat certain heart conditions, such as widening narrowed blood vessels or repairing heart valves.

Heart catheterization can remove blockages, depending on the type and location of the blockage. 

Heart catheterization is a procedure in which a thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel in the groin and threaded through the vessels to the heart. Once the catheter is in place, a small amount of dye is injected into the vessels to help the doctor see any blockages on an X-ray.

During the procedure, a small balloon on the end of the catheter can be inflated to open up blocked vessels, a stent can be inserted to hold the vessel open or a special device called a thrombectomy can be used to remove the blockage.

Stents are often placed during heart catheterization. Heart catheterization, also known as coronary angiography, is a diagnostic procedure in which a thin, flexible tube (catheter) is inserted into a blood vessel in the arm or leg and threaded through the vessels to the heart. Dye is then injected through the catheter, which allows X-ray images to be taken of the blood vessels in the heart.

If a blockage is found in a blood vessel, a stent can be inserted through the catheter and positioned at the site of the blockage to help keep the vessel open and improve blood flow to the heart muscle.

Heart catheterization is considered a minimally invasive procedure and is not typically considered major surgery. Unlike open-heart surgery, it is performed through a small incision in the skin and does not require a large incision in the chest.

Heart catheterization is typically performed in a hospital or an outpatient facility and under local anesthesia. However, as with any medical procedure, it does carry some risks.

During heart catheterization, the person is typically awake but sedated to help them relax and reduce discomfort. They may also be given a local anesthetic to numb the area where the catheter is inserted. The procedure is performed while the person is lying on a table, and a small incision is made in the groin or arm to insert the catheter.

Cardiac catheterization can be performed on an outpatient or inpatient basis.

Before the procedure

• Avoid eating or drinking for at least six to eight hours before the test.
• The doctor may ask to stop certain blood-thinning medications, such as Jantoven (warfarin), aspirin, Eliquis (apixaban), Pradaxa (dabigatran), and Xarelto (rivaroxaban).
• After checking your blood pressure and pulse, you may be asked to use the toilet to empty your bladder.
• You are asked to remove dentures and jewelry, especially necklaces, that could interfere with pictures of the heart.
• Electrodes (sticky patches) are placed on the chest to monitor your heartbeat before, during, and after the procedure.
• A nurse may shave the hair from the site where the catheter will be inserted.

During the procedure

• Cardiac catheterization is performed in a sterile room with special X-ray and imaging machines.
• A specialist will administer intravenous sedatives to help you relax.
• They could lightly sedate you or administer general anesthesia.
• The area of catheter insertion is numbed using a local anesthetic, and a small incision is made to access the blood vessel.
• A plastic sheath is passed into this opening to allow the doctor to insert the catheter.
• Depending on the reason for the procedure, one or more catheters are inserted through a blood vessel in the groin, wrist, or neck and guided toward the heart.
• Further steps could be performed, such as coronary angiogram, cardiac ablation, angioplasty, balloon valvuloplasty, heart valve replacement, or repair of congenital heart defects.
• The final steps include threading the catheter area using collagen (to seal the opening in the artery), sutures, or a clip (to bind the artery together).

After the procedure

• After the removal of the catheter, a technician or nurse will apply pressure to the insertion sites.
• You may need to lie flat for several hours after the procedure if the catheter was placed in the groin area to avoid serious bleeding and allow the artery to heal.
• You are asked to spend several hours in a recovery room after the procedure until the sedation wears off.
• The time you need to stay in the hospital depends on your overall health and the reason for the catheterization.
• The area of catheter insertion may feel sore for a few days.

Consult your doctor if you have any bleeding, new or increased swelling or pain at or near the access site, fever, or chest pain.

Heart catheterization is generally considered a safe and effective procedure, but it does carry some risks. Complications can include bleeding, infection, and damage to the blood vessels or heart. However, these complications are relatively rare, and the procedure is typically considered a low-risk procedure.

Reasons, why heart catheterization can sometimes be a serious procedure, include:

• Invasive procedure
  • Heart catheterization is an invasive procedure. It involves inserting a thin tube called a catheter into a blood vessel in the body, typically in the groin or arm, and threading it through to the heart. This can be uncomfortable and may cause some pain.
• Risk of bleeding and infection
  • As with any invasive procedure, there is a risk of bleeding and infection at the site where the catheter is inserted. The risk of infection is typically low, but it can occur and may lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.
• Risk of damage to blood vessels
  • The catheter may also cause damage to the blood vessels through which it is inserted, leading to bleeding or blockages.
• Risk of heart attack or stroke
  • In rare cases, heart catheterization may cause a heart attack or stroke. This risk is higher if the procedure is being performed to open blocked or narrowed blood vessels in the heart.
• Risk of allergic reactions
  • Some people may have an allergic reaction to the contrast dye used during the procedure to enhance the images of the heart. This can lead to itching, hives, or difficulty breathing.

Heart catheterization is often considered an alternative to open-heart surgery and is less invasive, but it is still a serious procedure that should be performed by a trained and experienced healthcare professional in a hospital setting.

Cardiac catheterization is generally not painful, but there may be some discomfort or mild pain associated with the insertion of the catheter. The area where the catheter is inserted may be numbed with a local anesthetic, and you may be given a mild sedative to help you relax.

After the procedure, there may be some mild discomfort or pain at the insertion site, and you may experience some bruising or swelling. Moreover, you may have some discomfort in your chest or arm if a catheter is inserted through a blood vessel in your arm.

Overall, most people find that the procedure is not painful and that any discomfort is mild and temporary. Your doctor will discuss the procedure with you and explain what you can expect. If you have any concerns, discuss them with your doctor.

The duration a person stays in the hospital after heart catheterization depends on the specific circumstances of the procedure and the person’s overall health.

Typically, heart catheterization is performed as an outpatient procedure, which means the person can go home the same day. The procedure typically takes about one to two hours to complete. After the procedure, the person is monitored for a few hours in the recovery room to ensure no complications. Once the person is stable, they can go home with instructions for follow-up care and medications.

In some cases, the procedure may be more complex, and the person may need to stay in the hospital overnight for observation. For example, if the person has severe heart disease or other health conditions that could complicate the recovery process, they may be hospitalized for a day or two. Additionally, if the procedure is being performed to treat a heart problem, such as angioplasty or stenting, the person may need to stay in the hospital overnight.

In general, the recovery time after heart catheterization is usually short, and most people can return to their normal activities within a few days. However, it is important to follow the instructions provided by the healthcare team and take any prescribed medication as directed.

After heart catheterization, people should avoid strenuous activity, lifting heavy objects, and driving for certain a period as advised by their doctor. For one week after the procedure, they should not submerge the incision site (groin or wrist) in water (bath or pool). Additionally, they should avoid smoking and limit their alcohol consumption. They should also follow a healthy diet, take prescribed medications as directed, and attend any follow-up appointments as scheduled.

You shouldn’t perform the following activities after heart catheterization:

• Do not drive or operate heavy machinery for at least 24 hours after heart catheterization because the procedure can cause drowsiness and dizziness, affecting your ability to perform these tasks safely.
• Do not lift heavy objects or engage in strenuous physical activity for at least 24 hours after the procedure because the procedure can cause soreness and discomfort in the area where the catheter was inserted, and engaging in these activities can exacerbate these symptoms.
• Do not take a bath or shower for at least 24 hours after the procedure because the incision site needs to be kept clean and dry to prevent infection.
• Do not smoke or drink alcohol for at least 24 hours after the procedure. These substances can increase the risk of complications, such as bleeding or infection.
• Do not consume large amounts of fluids, such as water or juice, for at least 24 hours after the procedure because the procedure can cause swelling and discomfort in the area where the catheter was inserted, and consuming large amounts of fluids can exacerbate these symptoms.
• Do not stop taking any medications prescribed to you by your doctor without first consulting with them. Medications prescribed by the doctor are to help you recover from the procedure and should not be stopped without the doctor’s advice.

Do not ignore any symptoms that may arise after the procedure, such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or fever. These may be signs of complications and should be reported to your doctor immediately.

Most people will feel better after heart catheterization and can return to normal activities soon after the procedure. Follow your doctor's instructions and contact them if you experience any unusual symptoms or have any concerns about your recovery.

Recovery from heart catheterization is usually relatively quick, with most people being able to return to normal activities within a day or two. However, the recovery experience can vary depending on the specific procedure performed and the individual's overall health.

Immediately after the procedure, you will be monitored in a recovery area for a few hours to ensure that you are stable. You may feel discomfort or soreness in the area where the catheter was inserted, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.

Your doctor may advise you to keep the limb where the catheter was inserted immobile for a short period and avoid strenuous activities for a few days. Moreover, they may advise you to avoid taking aspirin or other blood-thinning medications after the procedure to reduce the risk of bleeding. It's normal to have some mild discomfort or bruising at the site of the catheter insertion.