Cardiac Catheterization

You may have had angina, dizziness, or other symptoms of heart trouble. To help diagnose your problem, your doctor may suggest having a cardiac catheterization. This common procedure is sometimes also used to treat a heart problem. Insertion sites may be in the groin or the arm.

Before the Procedure

• Tell your doctor what medicines you take and about any allergies you have.
• Don’t eat or drink anything after midnight, the night before the procedure.
• You’ll likely be admitted to the hospital on the day of the procedure.
• Know that any hair on the skin where the catheter will be inserted may be removed. You may be given medication to relax before the procedure.

During the Procedure

• You will receive a local anesthetic to prevent pain at the insertion site.
• The doctor inserts an introducing sheath into a blood vessel in your groin or arm.
• Through the sheath, a long, thin tube called a catheter is placed inside the artery and guided toward your heart.
• To perform different tests or check other parts of the heart, the doctor inserts a new catheter or moves the catheter or x-ray machine.
• For some tests, a contrast dye is injected through the catheter.

After the Procedure

• You need to remain lying down for 2-12 hours.
• If the insertion site was in your groin, you may need to lie down with your leg still for several hours.
• A nurse will check your blood pressure and the insertion site.
• You may be asked to drink fluid to help flush the contrast liquid out of your system.
• Have someone drive you home from the hospital.
• It’s normal to find a small bruise or lump at the insertion site. These common side effects should disappear within a few weeks.