FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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WHY WOULD MY DOCTOR ORDER A CARDIAC CATHETERIZATION?
Your doctor could order a cardiac catheterization for several reasons.
1) To determine whether there are blockages in the arteries that feed the heart
2) To measure the pressures in the heart and the lungs
3) To measure pressure differences across the valves of the heart
Let’s review what’s involved in the procedure and the aftercare steps.
During a cardiac catheterization, the patient remains awake but sedated as a thin, flexible tube (catheter) is inserted through a blood vessel in the arm or groin and guided to the heart. This procedure, lasting 30 minutes to 2 hours, allows doctors to diagnose and treat various heart conditions. Once the catheter is in place, the medical team performs tests such as measuring heart chamber pressures, injecting contrast dye for X-ray imaging, or taking tissue samples. If blockages are found in the coronary arteries, additional procedures like angioplasty or stent placement may be performed to open the narrowed vessels. Patients may feel pressure or discomfort throughout the procedure but shouldn’t experience pain. After completion, the catheter is removed, and pressure is applied to the insertion site to prevent bleeding.
Following cardiac catheterization, patients are monitored for several hours before discharge, although they may stay in the hospital longer depending on their needs. Aftercare involves rest and limited activity for a few days, with no driving for 24 hours post-procedure. Patients must keep the insertion site clean and dry, watching for signs of infection like redness or swelling. Some bruising is normal, but excessive bleeding should be reported immediately. Patients may receive medications to manage pain or prevent blood clots. While cardiac catheterization is generally safe, patients should be aware of potential complications like bleeding, infection, or allergic reactions to the contrast dye. Always consult your CVG healthcare team about any concerns or unusual symptoms.
You will probably need to schedule a follow-up appointment with your doctor to assess your recovery and ensure no complications. This appointment may include additional testing, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) or blood tests, to monitor your heart function and check for abnormalities.
Most patients can return to normal activities within a few days to a week after the procedure. However, this can vary depending on the individual and the type of procedure performed. It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and promptly report any symptoms or concerns to ensure a smooth recovery and optimal outcome.
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 affect you physically and take an emotional toll. 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. We aim 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.
We look forward to providing you with the best heart care in the Atlanta area.
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 they can to ensure 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.