Cardiac Catheterization
Alternate Names : Coronary Angiography, Heart Catheterization, Coronary Angiogram, Cardiac Angiography
What is involved in preparation for the test?
Special preparation is needed before the test. A brief physical exam is done
to evaluate pulses in your groin and legs. If you have a weak pulse in your groin, your doctor may use
a different artery to insert the catheter. Your doctor will also review your medical and
surgical history. He or she may ask questions such as the following.
Do you have a bleeding tendency or any blood disorders?
Do you have any kidney disease or other kidney problems?
Have you had a prior allergic reaction to contrast agent or dye?
Do you take blood thinning medicines such as aspirin or warfarin?
Before the test, your blood is checked for kidney function and for
signs of a bleeding tendency. A woman of childbearing age will be screened for
pregnancy.
This is usually done with a urine or blood pregnancy test. Radiation from the test could harm
an unborn child.
You cannot eat or drink anything for six to eight hours before the test.
Dentures, eyeglasses, and jewelry, such as necklace or earrings, should be removed before
the exam.
The risks, benefits, and complications of the test are usually explained to you
on the day of the procedure. Some possible complications you may have from the test are as follows:
allergic reactions to the contrast agent used
bleeding in the groin
heart attack, which occurs in less than 1% of cases
irregular heartbeats called arrhythmias
stroke, which occurs in less than 1% of cases
If procedures are done during the exam, such as
angioplasty,
additional risks are involved. These will be discussed before the test by your doctor.
This test may be done on an outpatient basis. This means that you can
go home after the test. However, sometimes you might have to stay in the hospital for a day or more
after the test. Often, this test is used for people in the hospital who have serious or
life-threatening heart conditions.
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