What is Cardiac Catheterization?
Cardiac catheterization involves inserting a thin tube (catheter) into a blood vessel, usually in the groin or wrist, and guiding it to the heart. It helps diagnose and sometimes treat cardiovascular conditions by measuring pressures, injecting contrast dye, and visualizing arteries under X-ray.
This procedure helps to:
- Assess heart function and blood flow
- Identify blockages in coronary arteries
- Measure pressures within the heart chambers
- Evaluate congenital heart defects
- Plan treatments such as angioplasty or stenting
What to expect after Cardiac Catheterization?
After the procedure, you will rest in a recovery area while the insertion site is monitored for bleeding. Most patients feel minimal discomfort and can resume light activities within a day.
- Mild soreness or bruising at catheter site
- Need to lie flat for several hours post-procedure
- Observation for bleeding or complications
- Temporary fatigue due to sedation
- Return to light activity within 24 hours
