What does cardiac catheterization show?

This procedure helps doctors diagnose heart conditions such as coronary artery disease, defective heart valves, or congenital heart defects (defects you are born with). Cardiac catheterization also provides important information about the heart's pumping function.

What should I expect?

There are several routine tests done before a cardiac cath:

• EKG (electrocardiogram)
• Blood tests (less than one week prior)
• Medical history and exam
• Chest x-ray

You will receive specific instructions about the food you may have.  Generally, you may have nothing to eat or drink six to eight hours before the procedure.

Some suggestions to help you prepare:

• Pack a small bag of overnight clothing in case your doctor decides you need to stay overnight.
• Do not bring any valuables.
• Bring a list of medications (with exact names and dosages) that you currently take.
• Your physician will tell you which medications you may take on the day of the procedure.
• Arrange for someone to drive you home.
• Be sure to tell the doctor or technician if you are allergic to x-ray dyes.
• Empty your bladder for your own comfort.

What happens the day of the cardiac catheterization?

The procedure is done in a catheterization laboratory (also called cath lab).  Generally, you arrive on the morning of the day of the procedure.  You may possibly go home later that same day, unless you are already a patient in the hospital.

You will be awake during the procedure, which usually takes less than an hour, if only catheterization is involved.  If you have a balloon angioplasty or other procedure, more time will be required.

• A local anesthesia is injected and a small tube, or sheath, is inserted into the artery in your arm or leg.  You may feel a little pressure.
• The procedure begins when the doctor inserts a thin, flexible tube (called a catheter) through the sheath into the artery.
• The catheter is passed toward your heart.  As this is done, the doctors and technicians check the TV monitors to follow the catheter's movement to the heart.
• Then a dye is injected through the catheter.  The dye helps the doctor pinpoint where the problem with your coronary arteries might be. 

When the procedure is finished, the doctor will remove the catheter.  A nurse or technician will apply pressure for 15-20 minutes.  A pressure bandage is placed on the site before you are returned to your room.

If the catheter was inserted in the groin, you'll remain lying down for several hours and be asked not to move your leg.  The nurses will watch you carefully, take your blood pressure, and check the site frequently to make sure there is no bleeding.  You will be asked to drink a lot of fluids to flush the dye out of your system.  Your doctor will return to explain the results to you.  Sometimes cardiac catheterization will show that your heart is just fine.  If there is a problem, your doctor will discuss treatment options.

What can I do when I return home?

Avoid heavy lifting, and do only light activities for a few days. You may have a small bruise or lump the size of an olive under the skin at the insertion site.  The bruise or lump should go away in a few weeks. 

Call your doctor if:

• The insertion site bleeds.
• You feel chest pain or discomfort.
• Your arm or leg feels numb or cold.
• The bruising or swelling gets worse or increases.
• You have a fever or signs of infection appear at the insertion site.
• You have any other unusual symptoms.

What are the risks?

This is called an invasive procedure because a catheter is inserted into the body.  As with any procedure of this type, there can be some risk involved.  Please ask your doctor to discuss the risks and benefits so that you are informed.

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