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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Cardiac Catheterization: A Guide for Patients
Introduction
Cardiac catheterization is a medical procedure used to diagnose and treat heart diseases. It allows doctors to examine the heart’s blood vessels, measure pressures inside the heart, and sometimes perform treatments such as stent placement.
Why Is It Done?
Doctors recommend cardiac catheterization for various reasons, including: - Diagnosing coronary artery disease (blockages in the heart’s arteries) - Evaluating heart valve problems - Measuring heart function and blood pressure inside the heart - Treating conditions like narrowed arteries (angioplasty and stent placement)
How Is the Procedure Performed?
- Preparation: The patient is given medication to relax. The insertion site (often in the wrist or groin) is cleaned and numbed.
- Catheter Insertion: A thin tube (catheter) is inserted into a blood vessel and guided to the heart.
- Imaging and Measurements: Contrast dye is injected to visualize the arteries, and pressures inside the heart are measured.
- Treatment (if necessary): If a blockage is found, a balloon or stent may be used to open the artery.
- Recovery: The patient is monitored and can usually go home the same day or after a short hospital stay.
Risks and Precautions
While generally safe, the procedure has some risks, including: - Bleeding or infection at the catheter insertion site - Allergic reactions to contrast dye - Rare complications such as heart attack or stroke
Conclusion
Cardiac catheterization is a valuable tool in diagnosing and treating cardiovascular disease. Patients should discuss any concerns with their doctor and follow pre- and post-procedure instructions carefully.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Cardiac Catheterization
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/diagnosing-a-heart-attack/cardiac-catheterization
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001038
- https://www.acc.org/Guidelines
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000996
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21536996/
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Coronary Angiography and Interventions
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Acute-Coronary-Syndromes-ACS-Guidelines
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15769784/
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Chronic-Coronary-Syndromes
- https://www.jscai.org/article/S2772-9303(23)00830-X/fulltext
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/ESC-EACTS-Guidelines-in-Myocardial-Revascularisation-Guidelines-for
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
Our advantages:
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.