Cardiac catheterization is a diagnostic heart test used to find out how well your heart is working and if any of the arteries feeding your heart muscle (coronary arteries) are blocked. The cardiologist inserts a fine plastic tube, called a catheter, into a coronary artery. An x-ray machine and a contrast agent like that of CT scan contrast are used to help view the arteries and possible blockage(s).

Why do I need it?
You may have a blockage in one of your heart’s arteries that is limiting the blood flow to your heart. This test is the best way to check to see if there is a blockage.

What are the risks?
Cardiac catheterization is normally very safe, with few significant side effects. You may have a small bruise around the site where the catheter needle was inserted; this is quite normal. Although rare, other complications that might occur are:

• bleeding
• blood clots causing stroke
• collapsed lung
• infection
• damage to the heart or blood vessels from the leads that could lead to a very serious complication.

Emergency coronary bypass surgery may be necessary if a serious complication occurs.

How long does it take?
The procedure can last up to two (2) hours. After the procedure you will be taken to your room and monitored. The cardiologist will see you and discharge you, unless there is a complication.

How do I prepare?

• Please arrange for a responsible adult to provide you with a ride to the hospital and home. For your safety, you will NOT be allowed to take a taxi, bus, or drive home alone.
• No food or liquids after midnight on the evening before your test.
• Tell the nurse and or the Cath Lab technician if you are allergic to shellfish or CT scan dye.
• Bring a list of all your current medicines and dosages including any over the counter medications, herbal and/or vitamin supplements you take regularly.
• Take your prescribed medicines unless otherwise advised.
• If you are a diabetic, ask your doctor how much medication you should take the morning of your test.
• Wear loose comfortable clothing the day of your procedure and leave jewelry and valuables at home.

What can I expect during the test?

• An intravenous line (IV) is started in your arm or hand.
• You lie on an x-ray table and monitoring devices such as electrode patches and lead wires to an EKG monitor are attached to your chest. An automatic blood pressure cuff and monitor is put around your arm and a small blood oxygen monitor is placed on your finger. You may be given oxygen through a small tube in your nose.
• The skin near your groin or wrist is shaved and cleaned with an antiseptic.
• A needle is inserted into the artery in your upper groin area or wrist. A guide wire is placed through the needle and into your artery. The needle is then taken out, allowing a catheter to be placed over the guide wire and into your artery.
• The area is x-rayed to ensure that the catheter is located very close to the openings of your major coronary arteries.
• The catheter is moved so that it passes into your coronary artery.
• The cardiologist checks each of your coronary arteries by injecting a contrast medium, a dye-like liquid that is the same thing as CT scan dye, through the catheter to show how much of your artery may be narrowed. The catheter is moved until all of the major and most of the smaller coronary arteries can be seen.
• When the cardiologist is satisfied with the results, the catheter is removed.
• Pressure is applied to the area of your groin or wrist where the catheter was inserted.

How do I find out the results?
The cardiologist will give you the results in the lab or later when you are less groggy from any medications you may have received.