This article will help you understand cardiac catheterization and how to prepare for it.
What is Cardiac Catheterization?
Cardiac catheterization is a procedure used to assess the heart's functionality and diagnose issues and diseases related to the heart and arteries. It involves inserting a thin, hollow tube called a catheter into the blood vessels until it reaches the heart.
The catheter is usually inserted through the arm, upper thigh, or neck.
When is Cardiac Catheterization Performed?
In the following cases:
- To determine the causes of certain symptoms, such as chest pain and irregular heartbeats.
- To diagnose diseases of the arteries, valves, and heart muscle.
- To treat blockages or narrowing of the arteries.
- To expand or replace valves.
- To take a sample from the heart muscle.
- To diagnose congenital heart defects.
- To examine oxygen levels in the heart chambers.
- To evaluate the contraction capacity of the heart chambers.
How to Prepare for Cardiac Catheterization?
- Conduct laboratory blood tests.
- Undergo examinations such as: electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, chest X-ray, cardiac electrical mapping, cardiac CT scan, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the heart, as advised by your treating physician.
- Disclose any medications or supplements you are currently taking; your doctor may ask you to stop certain medications, but do not to stop any medication on your own.
- Fast from food and drink for 6-8 hours before the procedure.
- Inform your treating doctor if you have any allergies, such as iodine, rubber products, latex, penicillin, or X-ray dye.
- Ensure that someone accompanies you after the catheterization.
Is Cardiac Catheterization Only a Diagnostic Procedure?
No, it serves as both a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure in cases such as treating acute blockages or narrowing of the arteries, or expanding and replacing valves.
