What to Expect From a Cardiac Catheterization Test

Cardiac catheterization is an interventional cardiology procedure that detects and treats various heart diseases using a catheter. A catheter is a long, tube-like device that is inserted into a blood vessel and guided to the heart. Cardiac catheterization is performed only by a cardiologist.

Preparing for Cardiac Catheterization

Before scheduling a cardiac catheterization, the doctor runs a series of tests to make sure the patient is a good candidate for the procedure. Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding must tell the doctor before undergoing cardiac catheterization, because radiation exposure from the procedure can carry a risk of miscarriage.

Patients undergoing cardiac catheterization are required to fast for 6 to 8 hours beforehand, to reduce the risk of side effects from anesthesia. The hair around the blood vessel where the catheter will be inserted is also shaved. Patients usually need to stay in the hospital after cardiac catheterization.

Patients should therefore prepare for a hospital stay and ask family members or relatives to come and pick them up. Before the procedure, patients may also undergo some supporting tests. These interventional cardiology tests include a blood test, an electrocardiogram (EKG) or a chest X-ray.

The Cardiac Catheterization Procedure

Cardiac catheterization is performed in a special room equipped with scanning equipment. Before starting, patients are asked to remove items such as necklaces and other jewelry that could interfere with the procedure. Patients also change into the hospital gown provided, which makes the catheterization easier.

After changing, the patient is asked to lie on the special table where the procedure is done. Patients are expected to stay calm and relaxed. If needed, the doctor can give a sedative to help the patient relax during the procedure. The patient is connected to an IV line so medication can be given during the cardiac catheterization.

Electrodes are also attached to the patient's chest so the doctor can monitor the heart's condition. The catheter is inserted at the neck, arm or leg. Before the catheter goes in, that area is numbed with anesthesia. This is usually a local anesthetic, so the patient stays awake during the procedure, which is a form of interventional cardiology.

However, general anesthesia can be given as needed, especially to patients undergoing heart valve repair or replacement. To insert the catheter, the cardiologist makes a small skin incision as the entry point. The catheter is first inserted into the artery through the incision using a special plastic sheath.

Next, the catheter is advanced and guided to the heart. This process is not painful but can cause some discomfort and tension. The patient will not feel any pain, because a local anesthetic has been given at the incision site where the catheter is inserted for the interventional cardiology procedure to succeed.

Many kinds of tests can be done depending on the patient's needs and condition. One of them is cardiac catheterization. Before deciding on this test, the doctor usually needs to run a series of other tests to confirm that this procedure is the most suitable one.

Read also: What Is Interventional Cardiology? What You Should Know