Cardiac catheterization is used to diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions. A thin tube is inserted into an artery in the groin, neck, or arm and guided through the blood vessels to the heart. This procedure helps assess the health of the heart and blood vessels, diagnosing conditions such as chest pain, abnormal stress test results, heart valve disorders, high blood pressure, blood clots in the lungs, and an enlarged heart.

Your doctor may order a cardiac catheterization for several reasons:

1. To determine whether there are blockages in the arteries that supply blood to the heart
2. To measure the pressures in the heart and lungs
3. To assess pressure differences across the heart valves

The procedure is performed in a hospital setting and typically takes about 30–60 minutes; however, preparation and recovery time can take several additional hours. In some cases, the patient may need to stay in the hospital overnight, either before or after the procedure. Following cardiac catheterization, the doctor will have a clearer understanding of the underlying problem and be able to determine the best treatment plan for the patient. Full recovery usually takes a week or less, depending on where the catheter was inserted. The patient must keep the insertion site clean during the recovery period.

The procedure is performed under conscious sedation, meaning you will receive medications to help you relax and manage pain. In addition, a local anesthetic will be administered to the access site, either the groin or the wrist. Due to the sedation, many people do not remember much of the procedure afterward.

The risk of complications for patients undergoing elective cardiac catheterization is low. The most common complications include bleeding or discomfort at the access site, either in the groin or the wrist. Rarely, these bleeding complications may require a blood transfusion or surgery to repair the artery. Less common but more serious complications, such as stroke, heart attack, or even death, can occur. It is important to discuss these risks with your doctor.

Most procedures are performed to determine whether there are significant blockages in the arteries that supply blood to your heart. If your doctor finds a severe blockage, they may open it using a balloon and insert a stent, a small metal tube designed to keep the artery open. If multiple severe blockages are found, your doctor may recommend coronary bypass surgery.

After a cardiac catheterization, most patients spend a few hours in the recovery unit. If the procedure involved the large artery in the groin, a device or stitch may have been used to seal the hole, requiring the patient to lie flat for a couple of hours. If a tube was removed from the groin, the patient may need to lie flat for around 4 hours post-procedure. Avoid driving or lifting heavy objects for a few days afterward.

For procedures performed via the small wrist artery, a band is used to apply pressure to the artery. Some discomfort at the access site and mild bruising may occur in the days following the procedure. Notify your doctor if a lump forms at the site or if there is significant bleeding, as immediate medical attention may be necessary.