Heart catheterization, also known as cardiac catheterization, is a minimally invasive medical procedure used to diagnose and treat various cardiovascular conditions. It involves inserting a thin, flexible tube called a catheter into a blood vessel — usually in the groin, arm or wrist — and guiding it to the heart.

Through this procedure, doctors can assess heart function, detect blockages, measure blood pressure inside the heart and even perform treatments like angioplasty and stent placement.

Cardiac catheterization is often recommended for patients experiencing symptoms such as chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, dizziness or irregular heart rhythms. It is also a crucial tool for diagnosing congenital heart defects, valve problems and assessing heart muscle performance after a heart attack.

What is angioplasty?

Angioplasty, also called percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), is a procedure performed during heart catheterization to open up narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. These arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle, and when they become clogged with plaque — a buildup of cholesterol, fat and other substances — it can lead to serious heart conditions such as coronary artery disease (CAD) or even a heart attack.

During angioplasty, a small balloon at the tip of the catheter is inflated at the site of the blockage, pushing the plaque against the artery walls and restoring blood flow. In many cases, a stent — a tiny mesh tube — is inserted to keep the artery open permanently, preventing future blockages.

Why you may need heart catheterization and angioplasty/stenting

Heart catheterization and angioplasty/stenting are recommended for several reasons, particularly if you have symptoms or conditions that indicate potential heart disease.

Some of the primary reasons include:

1. Diagnosis of heart disease

• If you have unexplained chest pain, heart palpitations or shortness of breath, a doctor may use catheterization to check for blockages, valve problems or issues with blood flow.
• It helps assess the severity of coronary artery disease and determines the most effective treatment approach.

2. Treatment for blocked arteries

• If an artery is significantly narrowed or blocked, angioplasty can restore blood flow and relieve symptoms such as chest pain (angina).
• It can prevent a heart attack in patients with unstable angina or those at high risk of cardiovascular events.

3. Emergency intervention during a heart attack

• In many cases, angioplasty is performed as an emergency procedure during a heart attack to quickly reopen a blocked artery and minimize heart muscle damage.
• The faster the artery is opened, the better the chances of survival and recovery.

4. Post-heart attack assessment

• After a heart attack, catheterization can help evaluate the extent of damage and guide further treatment plans to prevent future cardiac events.

5. Assessing and treating heart valve conditions

• Heart catheterization can sometimes help determine if you have valve stenosis (narrowing) or regurgitation (leakage) and whether valve repair or replacement is necessary.

The procedure: what to expect

Heart catheterization and angioplasty are typically performed in a specialized hospital lab called a catheterization laboratory (cath lab). Here’s what you can expect:

1. Preparation: You may be asked to avoid eating or drinking for several hours before the procedure. Your doctor will discuss any medications you should stop taking beforehand.
2. Sedation and anesthesia: You’ll receive a local anesthetic at the insertion site, and mild sedation may be given to help you relax.
3. Catheter insertion: A small incision is made, and a catheter is threaded through an artery or blood vessel to the blockage using X-ray guidance.
4. Diagnosis or treatment: If the procedure is for diagnostic purposes, contrast dye is injected to visualize blockages. If stenting is needed, a stent will be used to open the artery.
5. Completion and recovery: The catheter is removed, and pressure is applied to the insertion site. You’ll be monitored for a few hours before being discharged, usually on the same day.

Risks and recovery

While heart catheterization and angioplasty/stenting are generally safe, they do carry some risks, including bleeding at the insertion site, infection, blood clots and — in rare cases — artery damage or stroke. Your doctor will discuss these risks with you and take necessary precautions to minimize complications.

Recovery time is typically short, with most patients resuming normal activities within a few days. However, lifestyle changes such as a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking and managing stress are essential for long-term success. Medications such as blood thinners and cholesterol-lowering drugs may also be prescribed to prevent future issues.

Next steps

If you have been experiencing the symptoms described above, have multiple risk factors for heart disease or are worried about having a heart attack, consult your primary care physician or cardiologist. For a physician referral, call 770-214-CARE (2273).