A cardiac catherization is performed to determine if there is blockage (plaque buildup or atherosclerosis) within the coronary arteries which can reduce the flow of oxygenated blood to the heart.
A coronary catheterization (also called a cath or angiogram) is an invasive diagnostic test which allows your cardiologist to evaluate for coronary artery disease. Coronary artery disease is the narrowing or blockage of the coronary (heart) arteries.
While taking X-ray images, a small tube called a catheter, will be guided through blood vessels to your heart. Once the catheter is in place a contrast agent will be injected to help identify blockages of your coronary arteries. If blockages are present and left untreated, the artery can become more narrowed over time or crack, which can result in a heart attack.
Take your medications as directed by your physician unless specifically requested to hold them prior to procedure.
Cardiac catheterizations are performed in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory at EvergreenHealth. Catheterizations are performed by specially trained cardiologists and they are assisted by highly skilled registered technologists and registered nurses.
The test will be explained in detail and informed consent will be obtained. You will have the opportunity to ask your cardiologist questions before we begin. You will be given a mild sedative to relax you, but you will be awake and conscious during the procedure. After the insertion site (wrist or groin) is prepped, the cardiologist will use a local anesthetic to numb the area; this may cause some minor discomfort. After the catheter is in place, you won’t feel much as the procedure moves forward.
The cardiac catheterization procedure itself generally takes approximately 30 minutes, but the preparation and recovery will add several hours to your total appointment time. You should plan on being at the hospital for 4-6 hours.
Your cardiologist will discuss the specific risks and potential benefits of the procedure with you. The most common possible risks of cardiac cath are:
There may be other possible risks. Your cardiologist will go over the risks and possible complications with you. Please ask questions to make sure you understand why the procedure is recommended and what all of the potential risks are.
After the procedure the cardiologist will discuss the results with you. However due to the sedatives used, often times patients don’t remember much of the test or the conversation afterwards. In most cases the cardiologist will try to discuss the results (if approved) with your attending family members. Otherwise you will be called at a later time with results.