Cardiac Catheterization
This article will help you understand cardiac catheterization and how to prepare for it.
What isCardiacCatheterization?
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 thefollowing 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 samplefrom 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?
