• The procedure takes place in a specialized catheterization lab and typically lasts 30 minutes to 2 hours. You’ll receive a local anesthetic where the catheter is inserted, usually in your groin or wrist. The catheter is then guided to your heart using imaging technology. Various tests may be performed, including measuring heart chamber pressures  injecting contrast dye to visualize blood flow, and taking tissue samples if needed. If blockages are found, angioplasty may be done to widen narrowed arteries and place stents. You’ll be awake but sedated during the procedure. Afterward, the catheter is removed, and pressure is applied to prevent bleeding. Most patients go home the same day after a few hours of monitoring.

• While generally safe, cardiac catheterization does carry some risks. These can include bleeding or hematoma at the insertion site, infection, an allergic reaction to the contrast dye, blood vessel damage, and, in rare cases, a heart attack or stroke. There’s also a small amount of radiation exposure from the X-rays used during the procedure. Your CVG healthcare team will discuss these risks with you and take precautions to minimize them.

• Your recovery from cardiac catheterization will be closely monitored. No strenuous exercise or driving for 24 hours may be advised. Your doctor may prescribe medications to treat pain or prevent complications. Keep the catheter insertion site clean and dry, and watch for infection symptoms. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled to evaluate your recovery, which may involve additional testing. Depending on your situation and procedure, you can usually resume normal activities within a few days to a week.

   

• You’ll be glad that our Atlanta heart doctors offer cardiac catheterization services at eleven convenient locations throughout the metro area. This means you can receive expert cardiac care close to home. Our multiple locations make it easy to schedule appointments, undergo procedures, and attend follow-up visits with minimal disruption to your daily life. Whether you live in the heart of Atlanta or the surrounding suburbs, there’s likely a location near you staffed with CVG’s experienced cardiologists ready to provide the care you need.

• At CVG, our cardiologists offer extensive experience caring for patients using state-of-the-art techniques. Their compassion adds so much to your care because our doctors understand how heart issues can not only affect you physically but take an emotional toll as well. Trust is the #1 factor in the doctor/patient relationship. You can trust your CVG cardiologist with every aspect of heart care.

CVG’s twenty board-certified heart doctors will guide you through your healthcare journey with the utmost compassion and individual attention. Our goal is to provide you with state-of-the-art cardiac care that includes the full spectrum of services, from testing to diagnosis and treatment. Through our combined efforts, we can conquer any challenge that comes our way.

Trust your heart health to CVG’s twenty board-certified cardiologists. Equipped with leading-edge diagnostic tools, a wealth of experience, and compassion, our cardiac team provides the highest level of personalized care.

You can review our cardiologists’ pages and explore their exceptional credentials and dedication to providing quality care. You can trust that our doctors genuinely care about you and will do everything in their power to ensure that you have the best quality of life possible.

To learn more, please call (770) 962-0399 or 678-582-8586. You may also request an appointment online. If you have an emergency, don’t contact us online; please call 911.