Cardiac catheterization as the name implies refers to an interventional procedure where a hollow tube, commonly referred to as a catheter is inserted into the heart via the blood vessels of the arm or the groin region. Cardiac catheterization is performed in patients who are at a risk of cardiac disease or have a cardiac ailment. Cardiac catheterization is also used as the basis of performing other interventional procedures. It is an interventional procedure and you will be asked to get admitted in the hospital for the same.
When is cardiac catheterization advised ?
Cardiac catheterization as mentioned above is performed in individuals who are either at risk of developing cardiac disease or are affected with congenital or other heart diseases. Individuals who have high deranged lipids or cholesterol are also advised to get cardiac catheterization to check for any deposits in the walls of blood vessels which could lead to serious cardiac problems. Some of the conditions where cardiac catheterization is advised are mentioned below.
- Cholesterol or fatty deposits in the walls of blood vessels of the heart (Atherosclerosis)
- Congenital heart diseases
- Cardiac valve defects
- Heart failure
- Weakening of cardiac muscle
- Chronic heart attack
- Symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, generalized weakness, and lethargy
Cardiac catheterization is also performed to check the blood flow in the heart after cardiac procedures like bypass surgery or coronary angioplasty.
How do you prepare for a cardiac catheterization procedure ?
You will be advised to get a cardiac catheterization done after your physician or a cardiologist does your complete physical and clinical examination with detailed history taking of your past treatments, ongoing medications and if you are pregnant. The cardiac catheterization procedure utilizes X-ray scanning technology to image the blood vessels, hence it is important to inform your treating doctor if you are pregnant or if you are asked to abstain from coming in contact with ionizing radiation. It is also important to ask the procedural details as well as its risks and outcomes before undergoing cardiac catheterization.
Is the cardiac catheterization procedure performed under anesthesia ?
Yes, usually local anesthesia is administered at the site of the arm or groin area from where the catheter is inserted to reach the heart vessels.
Who performs the cardiac catheterization procedure ?
Cardiac catheterization is performed by a cardiologist who is well trained and experience to perform cardiac interventional procedures.
What happens during a cardiac catheterization procedure ?
You will be asked to get admitted either a day before or on the day of the procedure. You will be asked to wear a hospital gown and you and your doctor will decide if they will approach the procedure via the arm/wrist region or the groin area. The area chosen will be anesthetized with local anesthetic solution and an IV line will be inserted to give you any medication. Electrodes will be placed at various positions on your chest, forearms and legs to monitor your heart activity during the procedure (ECG). The area where the catheter is inserted will be cleaned wit sterile liquids and a small incision is made to insert the catheter into the blood vessels and the catheter is then slowly moved towards the vessels of the heart. The cardiologist might ask you to stay still hold your breath and move to get better visibility of the blood vessels. Occasionally a contrast media is used to make the image of the heart more clear. The image are observed live on a monitor during the procedure.
If you have chest pain or uneasiness your doctor might give you medication for the same.
The entire procedure takes about 30-50 minutes but can take longer if other additional procedures are performed with it like angioplasty, heart valve repair and repair of congenital heart defects. You will be shifted to a recovery area to control the bleeding from the site of incision and to monitor your vitals. You can go home the same day or the next on advise of your treating doctor.
What are the risks and complications of cardiac catheterization ?
You might have infection, blood clots, bleeding, bruises at the site of incision, allergic reaction to contrast or in severe cases heart attack, stroke, irregular heart beat and rhythm, damage to heart vessels and muscles. The latter complications are rare and if you face any of the complications above you should consult with your treating doctor immediately.
Who interprets the results of cardiac catheterization ?
Your cardiologist will give detailed report of the procedure, and if your arteries are narrowed or blocked you will be advised for further treatment planning.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
