Cardiac catheterization is also called heart catheterization or cardiac cath. It is used to test or diagnose heart conditions followed by chest pain and irregularity of the heartbeats. It helps the doctors take a closer look at your heart and test if it functions properly.
The healthcare provider may recommend a cardiac catheterization test for your complaints of chest pain or irregular heartbeats. The test is usually used to find any clots in the blood.
If your doctor has prescribed you the cardiac catheterization test, then make sure to get it done as soon as possible, as it may detect some underlying problems that may need urgent treatment. You can visit the nearest health center or get help from Tomball cardiac catheterization.
What happens during the cardiac catheterization test?
The test includes a thin hollow tube known as a catheter. It is guided to your health with the help of blood vessels. It details the health valves, muscles, and blood vessels. During the process, the doctor tests tensions in the heart to treat the opening of a contracted artery. Sometimes, a fragment of heart tissue is removed for examination during the test.
The patients are usually awake during the test but are provided with the medicines to relax their body. The risks involved in the procedure are low, and the patients should not panic or worry during the test.
Why is cardiac catheterization done?
Cardiac catheterization is an important method to diagnose or treat several heart conditions. Usually, the doctor may suggest you the test if you have symptoms like:
- Irregular heartbeats, also known as arrhythmias.
- Chest pain is also called angina.
- Problems in the heart valves.
- Or any other heart issues.
Additionally, the doctor may also recommend cardiac catheterization if you have or the doctor suspected you to have conditions like :
- Congenital heart disease.
- Coronary artery disease.
- Heart valve disease.
- If there is any damage in the inner lining of the tiny blood vessels. Known as small vessel disease or coronary microvascular disease.
Importance of Cardiac catheterization
During cardiac catheterization, the doctors may find the problems you are suffering from and will provide the required treatment according to your needs.
Here are some procedures that doctors may follow during the test.
- Search for narrowed or blocked blood vessels that may cause check pain.
- Check the blood vessels for any clots.
- Monitor the efficiency of the blood in pumping the heart.
- Measure the oxygen levels and the pressure in different parts of the heart.
- Take sample tissue from your heart for examination under the microscope.
Further cardiac catheterization can be done simultaneously during the other heart procedures or heart surgery as required.
