FACT SHEET FOR PATIENTS AND FAMILIES
Cardiac Catheterization
What is it?
In cardiac catheterization, your doctor inserts a long, Cardiac catheterization can examine
flexible tube called a catheter into a blood vessel blockages in the arteries that feed the heart.
in your groin, arm, or wrist. The catheter is then
threaded to your heart.
This procedure helps your doctor see how well your
heart is pumping, check the arteries that feed your
heart, and examine your heart valves. It may also be
Left coronary
called cardiac catheterization, heart catheterization, or artery
an angiogram. Right
coronary
Why do I need it? artery
Circumflex
•• Cardiac catheterization gives your healthcare artery
providers detailed information about your
heart. It is used to evaluate problems that keep the Left anterior
heart from functioning well, such as heart failure descending
or valve disease. It is also used to diagnose coronary artery
artery disease (CAD). CAD is the narrowing of the
arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the heart.
•• Cardiac catheterization can help your doctor
diagnose and prevent problems. Angiography
helps your doctor diagnose the problem so it can be
treated before it causes any more damage.
Talking with your doctor
The table below lists the most common potential benefits, risks, and alternatives for this procedure. Other
benefits and risks may apply in your unique medical situation. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or talk with
your doctor about your concerns.
Potential benefits Potential risks and complications Alternatives
•• Useful information •• Leg numbness or weakness for a few hours after (rare) Cardiac catheterization
for diagnosis. Cardiac •• Bleeding or infection where the catheter was inserted (rare) is the best way to get
catheterization gives accurate information
•• Bad reaction to the contrast dye (very rare) about your arteries
your doctor more
detailed information •• Reduced kidney function (kidney failure in rare cases). or heart valves. Other
than other tests. Tell your doctor or the imaging technician if you have tests include:
kidney disease or diabetes •• Electrocardiogram
•• Faster recovery. The
procedure doesn’t •• Exposure to x-ray energy, which can slightly increase •• Cardiac stress test
require a major your lifetime cancer risk (for more information, see •• Cardiac CT scan
incision (cut) or Intermountain’s Guide to Understanding Radiation) •• Cardiac MRI
general anesthesia •• Damage to the artery or heart muscle (extremely rare) If you have any concerns
(medicine that •• Heart attack or stroke (extremely rare, and not typically about your cardiac
makes you sleep). caused by the procedure itself) catheterization, discuss
•• Unforeseen complications them with your doctor.
1
Cardiac Catheterization
What is it?
In cardiac catheterization, your doctor inserts a long, Cardiac catheterization can examine
flexible tube called a catheter into a blood vessel blockages in the arteries that feed the heart.
in your groin, arm, or wrist. The catheter is then
threaded to your heart.
This procedure helps your doctor see how well your
heart is pumping, check the arteries that feed your
heart, and examine your heart valves. It may also be
Left coronary
called cardiac catheterization, heart catheterization, or artery
an angiogram. Right
coronary
Why do I need it? artery
Circumflex
•• Cardiac catheterization gives your healthcare artery
providers detailed information about your
heart. It is used to evaluate problems that keep the Left anterior
heart from functioning well, such as heart failure descending
or valve disease. It is also used to diagnose coronary artery
artery disease (CAD). CAD is the narrowing of the
arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the heart.
•• Cardiac catheterization can help your doctor
diagnose and prevent problems. Angiography
helps your doctor diagnose the problem so it can be
treated before it causes any more damage.
Talking with your doctor
The table below lists the most common potential benefits, risks, and alternatives for this procedure. Other
benefits and risks may apply in your unique medical situation. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or talk with
your doctor about your concerns.
Potential benefits Potential risks and complications Alternatives
•• Useful information •• Leg numbness or weakness for a few hours after (rare) Cardiac catheterization
for diagnosis. Cardiac •• Bleeding or infection where the catheter was inserted (rare) is the best way to get
catheterization gives accurate information
•• Bad reaction to the contrast dye (very rare) about your arteries
your doctor more
detailed information •• Reduced kidney function (kidney failure in rare cases). or heart valves. Other
than other tests. Tell your doctor or the imaging technician if you have tests include:
kidney disease or diabetes •• Electrocardiogram
•• Faster recovery. The
procedure doesn’t •• Exposure to x-ray energy, which can slightly increase •• Cardiac stress test
require a major your lifetime cancer risk (for more information, see •• Cardiac CT scan
incision (cut) or Intermountain’s Guide to Understanding Radiation) •• Cardiac MRI
general anesthesia •• Damage to the artery or heart muscle (extremely rare) If you have any concerns
(medicine that •• Heart attack or stroke (extremely rare, and not typically about your cardiac
makes you sleep). caused by the procedure itself) catheterization, discuss
•• Unforeseen complications them with your doctor.
1
