Cardiac
Catheterization |
A
Cardiac catherization is a minimally invasive test that offers
clear,accurate information about the heart, the coronary arteries
located on the surface of the heart and possibly, the aorta.
A small tube called a catheter is used to help a physician
identify narrowed or clogged arteries, evaluate the heart's
four valves and assess congenital heart defects.
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| There
are four major parts to a cardiac catheterization: |
- Measuring
blood pressure within the heart's major arteries
- Taking
blood samples for testing
- Performing
a coronary angiogram, and x-ray of the coronary arteries
- Performing
a left ventriculogram, and x-ray of the lower left chamber
of the heart
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A
cardiac catheterization may be performed for two reasons. First,
it may provide important information about the heart and major
arteries, help the physician to more clearly see the source
of a heart-related problem and determine whether the patient
is good candidate for surgery.
In
addition, cardiac catheterization are performed to help
make a diagnosis. They are usually done after other, less
invasive, tests have been performed on patients who may
have a heart-related condition. A cardiac catheterization
would follow test such as: |
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- An
electrocardiogram (EKG), recording the heart's electrical
activity on a moving strip of paper
- An
echocardiogram, using sound waves to create an image of the
heart's structure and function
- An
exercise stress test, using EKG technology while the patient
exercises on a treadmill or statonary bicycle
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| How
do you prepare for a cardiac catheterization? |
Typically,
patients will be advised to continue taking most medications
as normal, with some exceptions such as anticoagulants and antiplatelets.
These medications interfere with the blood's ability to clot,
so dosage may be reduced or the medication suspended at some
point prior to the test. Patients are encouraged to discuss their
full medication schedule, including over-the-counter drugs and
dietary supplements, with their physician so all necessary adjustments
can be prescribed.
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All
patients should supply the physician with copies of previous
test results, such as EKGs, if available.
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Diabetic
patients may require further preparation instructions and should
seek further guidance from their physician.
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| On
the morning of the test, a light breakfast is suggested. Immediately
before the test, patients will be asked various questions about
their medical history. Patients should discuss any history they
may have regarding blood clotting disorders or allergy reactions
to: |
 Iodine
Shellfish
Strawberries
Dyes
used in previous tests or procedures
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Cardiac
catheterization may be performed as either an inpatient or outpatient
procedure. It takes place in a cool, sterile catheterization
laboratory.
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The
patient is made comfortable, and then an intravenous (I.V.) tube
is inserted to deliver a sedative and any other necessary medications.
Heart rate and rhythms are continually monitored.
The catheter is usually invented into the femoral artery in the thigh/groin,
but some physicians may choose to use the elbow or wrist. It is then fed
toward the heart, which could cause some minor discomfort.
When the catheter reaches the target area, blood pressure measurements
and, possibly, blood samples will be taken. A dye is injected through the
catheter. This injection could cause a brief feeling of nausea, a headache,
palpitations or a flushing/reddening across the body.
The physician will usually perform the ventriculogram first, followed by
a coronary angiogram and, in some cases, an aortogram.
The test typically takes 30 minutes to one hour.
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| See
more information at Heart
Center |
