Cardiac Catheterization

What is cardiac catheterization?

Cardiac catheterization, or cardiac cath, is a procedure that evaluates how well your heart works. During the test, your cardiologist inserts a catheter into a large blood vessel (usually in the groin), guiding the catheter towards your heart using X-ray-guided imaging.

Once the catheter is at the heart, they inject a contrast dye that moves through the blood vessels and chambers of the heart, allowing them to closely evaluate its structure and function.

Why would I need cardiac catheterization?

The team at Cary Cardiology, P.A., performs this diagnostic procedure to assess heart health, identify cardiac problems, and potentially perform procedures to fix these problems. Your provider can explain in detail and answer any questions at your consultation. 

Some of the reasons you might need a cardiac catheterization include:

• Confirm coronary artery disease (CAD) diagnosis
• Assess heart muscle function
• Determine if you need additional treatments

If the team determines you have CAD, which is when you have narrowing or blockages in the main arteries to your heart, they perform procedures during your cardiac cath to open the blood vessel, improving blood flow. 

What happens during cardiac catheterization?

Your Cary Cardiology, P.A., provider reviews the details of your cardiac catheterization at your consultation. They encourage you to ask questions during this visit, so you feel as comfortable as possible.

You remain awake during your cardiac catheterization. However, your provider administers a sedative through an intravenous (IV) line in your arm, so you’re relaxed during the procedure. They inject a local anesthetic at the site where they insert the catheter.

They make a small incision, insert the catheter, and guide it towards your heart. They may place various tools at the tip of the catheter to perform procedures, such as an instrument that measures pressure in the heart chambers or a tool to take a biopsy.

Once they complete the test and any necessary treatments, the catheter is removed. A cardiac catheterization takes about an hour. 

What happens after cardiac catheterization?

Your provider at Cary Cardiology, P.A., sends you to the recovery area following your cardiac catheterization for monitoring and then sends you home. Most people resume their usual activities by the next day.

If you have symptoms of heart trouble, Cary Cardiology, P.A., can perform a cardiac catheterization and provide the treatment you need. Call the office most convenient to you or book an appointment online today.