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Strong Heart and Vascular Center

Cardiac Catheterization Labs

Diagnostic Tests

Cardiac Catheterization Procedure

What is a Cardiac Catheterization?

Cardiac catheterization is also called a heart catheterization or an angiogram and is performed to look at the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle and the main pumping chamber of the heart. It is done to:

  • Evaluate the anatomy of the heart to help diagnose and determine treatments for heart disease
  • Evaluate pumping function or the heart muscle
  • Look for any blockages/narrowing in the heart arteries
  • Determine how severe the blockages are to help guide treatment choices
  • Evaluate how the heart valves work, to see if there is any leaking or narrowing

What to Expect Prior to the Procedure

  • You will be contacted by a nurse from the Cardiac Cath Lab 1-2 business days prior to your procedure to review health history and instructions. The questions we ask are necessary to assure proper medical care. The phone call will take approximately 10-15 minutes.
  • You will be asked about current medications, their dosages, and any allergies you have.
  • Inform nurse if you are taking Warfarin/Coumadin. Please ask when to stop taking Warfarin/Coumadin.
  • Please inform nurse of any allergies especially to IVP dye or Contrast.
  • Blood work is required prior to your procedure.
  • Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.

Read and print out full instructions.

What to Expect the Day of the Procedure

  • You will be instructed on which medications you may take with water.
  • Arrive at the given time; there is no need to arrive early.
  • You will meet several people who will be your health care team.
  • The procedure, including benefits and risks involved, will be discussed with you.

What to Expect During the Procedure

  • IV medicine will be given to help you relax and keep you comfortable.
  • Your blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen level will be monitored frequently.
  • The procedure is performed under sterile conditions.
  • Medication will be used to numb the entry site (either the groin, wrist, or neck area). The best site will be determined by the physician.
    How it feels—There is some stinging and/or burning as the numbing medicine is placed.
  • A small hollow tube (catheter) will be placed in the artery and then directed to the heart under x-ray type guidance.
    How it feels—    There is some pressure at the site. No sensations in the heart.
  • Contrast/IVP dye will be injected into the main pumping chamber of the heart to see how the heart muscle moves.
    How it feels—    Warm sensation all over for about 30 seconds.
  • Contrast will then be injected into your heart arteries to look for blockages/narrowing.
    How it feels—    This most likely won’t feel anything.
  • The test takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
  • If there is a severe blockage that would be beneficial to fix with the balloon and/or stent, you would undergo that procedure. Learn more about angioplasty and stenting.
  • Once the procedure is over, the tube in your artery will be pulled out and pressure will be held.
  • The physician will talk with you and a family member per your request.

What to Expect After the Procedure

  • Monitored for 1-6 hours after the procedure, especially for signs of bleeding.
  • If you undergo angioplasty/stenting, you will remain in the hospital overnight.
  • You will be on bedrest for 1-6 hours after the procedure.
  • One visitor at a time will be allowed to sit with you.
  • Before you go home, discharge instructions will be reviewed with you and a responsible adult.
  • You must arrange a ride home accompanied by a responsible adult. Once home, a responsible adult must be with you for 3 hours.
  • If you are found to have coronary artery disease, it is even more important to control your risk factors.

Common Experiences When You Are Home

  • Tiredness on the day of procedure
  • Tenderness at the procedure site
  • A small bump (size of a quarter) at the procedure site
  • Some bruising

What You Should Report Immediately

Upon discharge, we will provide you with a phone number to contact us if you experience any of the following:

  • Severe discomfort at the insertion site
  • Bleeding at the insertion site
  • Increase in chest, arm, or jaw pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Redness or signs of infection at the insertion site

Back to Types of Cardiac Catheterization Procedures