Strong Heart and Vascular Center

Cardiac Catheterization Labs

A right heart catheterization is a procedure to evaluate pressures in the heart and lungs. It's done specifically to:

Evaluate pulmonary hypertension (elevated blood pressure in the lungs)
Help determine the effects of a leaky (regurgitation) or tight (stenosis) heart valve
Evaluate how medications are helping a patient

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.

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.

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 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 chosen vein and then directed to the heart under x-ray type guidance.
How it feels—There is some pressure at the site.
The catheter will be directed through the different areas of the heart. Blood pressure and oxygen levels will be checked in each area.
How it feels—You may feel a palpitation or nothing at all.
Test takes about 20 minutes to 1 hour.
Sometimes if the patient has pulmonary hypertension, pressures in your heart or lungs are elevated. A medication called a vasodilator is given to see if it lowers the pressures. The medicine is given through an IV and slowly increased to see its effects.
If medicine is given, this portion will take about 1 hour.
Once the procedure is over, the tube in your vein will be pulled out and pressure will be held.
The physician will talk with you and a family member per your request.

You will be monitored for 1-4 hours after the procedure, especially for signs of bleeding.
You will be on bedrest for 1-4 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.

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