Cardiac catheterization



Definition

Cardiac catheterization (also called heart catheterization) is a diagnostic and occasionally therapeutic procedure that allows a comprehensive examination of the heart and surrounding blood vessels. It enables the physician to take angiograms, record blood flow, calculate cardiac output and vascular resistance, perform an endomyocardial biopsy, and evaluate the heart's electrical activity. Cardiac catheterization is performed by inserting one or more catheters (thin flexible tubes) through a peripheral blood vessel in the arm (antecubital artery or vein) or leg (femoral artery or vein) under x-ray guidance.


Purpose

Cardiac catheterization is most commonly performed to examine the coronary arteries, because heart attacks, angina, sudden death, and heart failure most often originate from disease in these arteries. Cardiac catheterization may reveal the presence of other conditions, including enlargement of the left ventricle; ventricular aneurysms (abnormal dilation of a blood vessel); narrowing of the aortic valve; insufficiency of the aortic or mitral valve; and septal defects that allow an abnormal flow of blood from one side of the heart to the other.

Symptoms and diagnoses that may be associated with the above conditions and may lead to cardiac catheterization include:

Cardiac catheterization with coronary angiography is recommended in patients with angina (especially unstable angina); suspected coronary artery disease; suspected silent ischemia and a family history of heart attack; congestive heart failure; congenital heart disease; and pericardial (lining outside the heart) disease. Catheterization is also recommended for patients with suspected valvular disease, including aortic stenosis (narrowing) or regurgitation, and mitral stenosis or regurgitation.

Patients with congenital cardiac defects are also evaluated with cardiac catheterization to visualize the abnormal direction of blood flow associated with these diseases. In addition, the procedure may be performed after acute myocardial infarction (heart attack); before major noncardiac surgery in patients at high risk for cardiac problems; before cardiac surgery in patients at risk for coronary artery disease; and before such interventional technologies and procedures as stents and percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) or closure of small openings between the atria (upper chambers), called atrial septal defects.


Left- and right-side catheterization

Cardiac catheterization can be performed on either side of the heart to evaluate different functions. Testing the right side of the heart allows the physician to evaluate tricuspid and pulmonary valve function, in addition to measuring blood pressures and collecting blood samples from the right atrium, right ventricle (lower chamber), and pulmonary artery. Catheterization of the left side of the heart is performed to test the blood flow in the coronary arteries, as well as the level of function of the mitral and aortic valves and left ventricle.


Coronary angiography

Coronary angiography, which is also known as coronary arteriography, is an imaging technique that involves injecting a dye into the vascular system to outline the heart and coronary vessels. Angiography allows the visualization of any blockages, narrowing, or abnormalities in the coronary arteries. If these signs are visible, the cardiologist may assess the patient's readiness for coronary bypass surgery, or a less invasive approach such as dilation of a narrowed blood vessel by surgery or the use of a balloon (angioplasty). Because some interventions may be performed during cardiac catheterization, the procedure is considered therapeutic as well as diagnostic.


Outpatient catheterization

Cardiac catheterization is usually performed in a specially designed cardiac catheterization suite in a hospital, so that any procedural complications may be handled rapidly and effectively. Cardiac catheterization may also be performed on patients presenting to the emergency department with chest pain or chest injuries. The procedure may be performed on an outpatient basis, depending on the patient's pre- and post-catheterization condition. As of 2000, however, the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) issued a joint statement denying approval of the use of separate cardiac catheterization laboratories that are not part of a hospital, on the grounds that a small number of patients having the procedure on an outpatient basis will have unexpected reactions or complications.


Demographics

Coronary artery disease is the first-ranked cause of death for both men and women in the United States. More than 1.5 million cardiac catheterizations are performed every year in the United States, primarily to diagnose or monitor heart disease. There is an expected growth to more than three million procedures by 2010.


Description

Cardiac anatomy

The heart consists of four chambers separated by valves. The right side of the heart, which consists of the right atrium (upper chamber; sometimes called the right auricle) and the right ventricle (lower chamber), pumps blood to the lungs. The left side of the heart, which consists of the left atrium and the left ventricle, simultaneously pumps blood to the rest of the body. The right and left coronary arteries, which are the first vessels to branch off from the aorta, supply blood to the heart. The left anterior descending coronary artery supplies the front of the heart; the left circumflex coronary artery wraps around and supplies the left side and the back of the heart; and the right coronary artery supplies the back of the heart. There is, however, a considerable amount of variation in the anatomy of the coronary arteries.

Catheterization procedure

The patient lies face up on a table during the catheterization procedure, and is connected to a cardiac monitor . The insertion site is numbed with a local anesthetic, and access to the vein or artery is obtained using a needle. A sheath, a rigid plastic tube that facilitates insertion of catheters and infusion of drugs, is placed in the puncture site. Under fluoroscopic guidance, a guide-wire (a thin wire that guides the catheter insertion) is threaded through a brachial or femoral artery to the heart. The catheter, a flexible or preshaped tube approximately 32–43 in (80–110 cm) long, is then inserted over the wire and threaded to the arterial side of the heart. The patient may experience pressure as the catheter is threaded into the heart. The contrast agent, or dye, used for imaging is then injected so that the physician can view the heart and surrounding vessels. The patient may experience a hot, flushed feeling or slight nausea following injection of the contrast medium. Depending on the type of catheterization (left or right heart) and the area being imaged, different catheters with various shapes and ends are used.

The radiographic/fluoroscopic system has an x-ray subsystem and video system with viewing monitors that allow the physician to observe the procedure in real time using fluoroscopy as well as taking still x rays for documentation purposes. Most newer systems use a digital angiography system that allows images to be recorded, manipulated, and stored digitally on a computer.

The procedure usually lasts about two or three hours. If further intervention is necessary, an angioplasty, stent implantation, or other procedure can be performed. At the end of the catheterization, the catheter and sheath are removed, and the puncture site is closed using a sealing device or manual compression to stop the bleeding. One commonly used sealing device is called Perclose, which allows the doctor to sew up the hole in the groin. Other devices use collagen seals to close the hole in the femoral artery.

During cardiac catherization, a catheter is fed into the femoral artery of the upper leg (A). The catheter is fed up to coronary arteries to an area of blockage (B). A dye is released, allowing visualization of the blockage (C). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)
During cardiac catherization, a catheter is fed into the femoral artery of the upper leg (A). The catheter is fed up to coronary arteries to an area of blockage (B). A dye is released, allowing visualization of the blockage (C). (
Illustration by GGS Inc.
)



Diagnosis/Preparation

Before undergoing cardiac catheterization, the patient may have had other noninvasive diagnostic tests, including an electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiography , computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), laboratory studies (e.g., blood work), and/or nuclear medicine cardiac imaging. The results of these noninvasive tests may have indicated a need for cardiac catheterization to confirm a suspected cardiac condition, further define the severity of a previously diagnosed condition, or establish the need for an interventional procedure (e.g., cardiac surgery).

Patients should give the physician or nurse a complete list of their regular medications, including aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), because they can affect blood clotting. Diabetics who are taking either metformin or insulin to control their diabetes should inform the physician, as these drugs may need to have their dosages changed before the procedure. Patients should also notify staff members of any allergies to shellfish containing iodine, iodine itself, or the dyes commonly used as contrast agents before cardiac catheterization.

Because cardiac catheterization is considered surgery, the patient will be instructed to fast for at least six hours prior to the procedure. A mild sedative may be administered about an hour before the procedure to help the patient relax. If the catheter is to be inserted through the groin, the area around the patient's groin will be shaved and cleansed with an antiseptic solution.

Aftercare

While cardiac catheterization may be performed on an outpatient basis, the patient requires close monitoring following the procedure; the patient may have to remain in the hospital for up to 24 hours. The patient will be instructed to rest in bed for at least eight hours immediately after the test. If the catheter was inserted into a vein or artery in the leg or groin area, the leg will be kept extended for four to six hours. If a vein or artery in the arm was used to insert the catheter, the arm will need to remain extended for a minimum of three hours.

Most doctors advise patients to avoid heavy lifting or vigorous exercise for several days after cardiac catheterization. Those whose occupation involves a high level of physical activity should ask the doctor when they could safely return to work. In most cases, a hard ridge will form over the incision site that diminishes as the site heals. A bluish discoloration under the skin often occurs at the point of insertion but usually fades within two weeks. The incision site may bleed during the first 24 hours following surgery. The patient may apply pressure to the site with a clean tissue or cloth for 10–15 minutes to stop the bleeding.

The patient should be instructed to call the doctor at once if tenderness, fever, shaking, or chills develop, which may indicate an infection. Other symptoms requiring medical attention include severe pain or discoloration in the leg, which may indicate that a blood vessel was damaged.


Risks

Cardiac catheterization is categorized as an invasive procedure that involves the heart, its valves, and coronary arteries, in addition to a large artery in the arm or leg. Cardiac catheterization is contraindicated (not advised) for patients with the following conditions:

Radiation hazards

Cardiac catheterization involves radiation exposure for staff members as well as the patient. The patient's dose of radiation is minimized by using lead shielding in the form of blankets or pads over certain body parts and by choosing the appropriate dose during fluoroscopy. To monitor staff members' exposure to radiation, they wear radiation badges that detect exposure and lead aprons that shield the body. The radiographic/fluoroscopic system may be equipped with movable lead shields that do not interfere with access to the patient and are placed between staff members and the source of radiation during the procedure.


Morbidity and mortality rates

As with all invasive procedures, cardiac catheterization involves some risks. The most serious complications include stroke and myocardial infarction. Other complications include cardiac arrhythmias, pericardial tamponade, vessel injury, and renal failure. One study demonstrated a total risk of major complications under 2% for all patients. The risk of death from cardiac catheterization has been demonstrated at 0.11%. The most common complications resulting from cardiac catheterization are vascular related, including external bleeding at the arterial puncture site, hematomas, and pseudoaneurysms.

The patient may be given anticoagulant medications to lower the risk of developing an arterial blood clot (thrombosis) or of blood clots forming and traveling through the body (embolization).

The risk of complications from cardiac catheterization is higher in patients over the age of 60; those who have severe heart failure; or those with advanced valvular disease.

Allergic reactions related to the contrast agent (dye) and anesthetics may occur in some patients during cardiac catheterization. Allergic reactions may range from minor hives and swelling to severe shock. Patients with allergies to seafood or penicillin are at a higher risk of allergic reaction; giving antihistamines prior to the procedure may reduce the occurrence of allergic reactions to contrast agents.


Normal results

Normal findings from a cardiac catheterization will indicate no abnormalities in the size or configuration of the heart chamber, the motion or thickness of its walls, the direction of blood flow, or motion of the valves. Smooth and regular outlines indicate normal structure of the coronary arteries.

The measurement of intracardiac pressures, or the pressure in the heart's chambers and vessels, is an essential part of the catheterization procedure. Pressure readings that are higher than normal are significant for a patient's overall diagnosis. Pressure readings that are lower, other than those resulting from shock, are usually not significant.

The ejection fraction is also determined by performing a cardiac catheterization. The ejection fraction is a comparison of the quantity of blood ejected from the heart's left ventricle during its contraction phase with the quantity of blood remaining at the end of the left ventricle's relaxation phase. The cardiologist will look for a normal ejection fraction reading of 60–70%.

Abnormal results are obtained by viewing the still and live motion x rays during cardiac catheterization for evidence of coronary artery disease, poor heart function, disease of the heart valves, and septal defects.

The most prominent sign of coronary artery disease is narrowing or blockage (stenosis) in the coronary arteries, with narrowing greater than 50% considered significant. A clear indication for intervention by angioplasty or surgery is a finding of significant narrowing of the left main coronary artery and/or blockage or severe narrowing in the high left anterior descending coronary artery.

A finding of impaired wall motion is an additional indicator of coronary artery disease, an aneurysm, an enlarged heart, or a congenital heart problem. Using an ejection fraction test that measures wall motion, cardiologists regard an ejection fraction reading under 35% as increasing the risk of complications while also decreasing the possibility of a successful long- or short-term outcome from surgery.

Detecting the difference in pressure above and below the heart valve can verify the presence of valvular disease. The greater the narrowing, the higher the difference in pressure.

To confirm the presence of septal defects, measurements are taken of the oxygen content on both the left and right sides of the heart. The right heart pumps unoxygenated blood to the lungs, and the left heart pumps blood containing oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Elevated oxygen levels on the right side indicate the presence of a left-to-right atrial or ventricular shunt . Low oxygen levels on the left side indicate the presence of a right-to-left shunt.

Alternatives

Other methods of visualization are available that limit radiation exposure, by using ultrasound imaging to observe the coronary arteries. Imaging of general cardiac architecture and valvular function can be visualized by noninvasive cardiac ultrasound. Cardiac ultrasound and Doppler ultrasound can be used together to observe valvular insufficiency and stenosis. Areas of poor myocardial function can also be evaluated by ultrasound.

Nuclear medicine scans of the heart can show the perfusion of blood to a region of the myocardium. If blockages of the coronary artery exist, blood flow will be reduced. By adding a radioactive marker to the blood, images are generated to show areas of poor perfusion. Combined with exercise, these tests can accurately demonstrate cardiovascular disease. However, the imaging process can take several hours, and the patient is still internally exposed to high levels of radiation.


Resources

books

Bennett, J. Claude, and Fred Plum, eds. "Cardiac Catheterization and Angiography." In Cecil Textbook of Medicine. 20th ed. Vol. 1. Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders Company, 1996.

"Diagnostic Cardiovascular Procedures: Invasive Procedures." In The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy , 17th ed, Ed. Mark H. Beers, and Robert Berkow. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck Research Laboratories, 1999.

Segen, Joseph C., and Joseph Stauffer. "Cardiac Catheterization." In The Patient's Guide To Medical Tests: Everything You Need To Know About The Tests Your Doctor Prescribes. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 1998.

periodicals

Norris, Teresa G. "Principles of Cardiac Catheterization." Radiologic Technology 72, no. 2 (November-December 2000): 109–136.

Scanlon, Patrick J, et al. ACC/AHA Guidelines for Coronary Angiography 33, no. 6 (May 1999): 1756–1824.

Segal, A. Z., et al. "Stroke as a Complication of Cardiac Catheterization: Risk Factors and Clinical Features." Neurology 56 (April 2001): 975–977.

organizations

American College of Cardiology. Heart House, 9111 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, MD 20814-1699. (800) 253-4636. http://www.acc.org .

American Heart Association National Center. 7272 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75231. (800) AHA-USA1. http://www.americanheart.org .

other

Cardiology Channel. Cardiac Catheterization. http://www.cardiologychannel.com/cardiaccath/ .


Jennifer E. Sisk, MA Allison J. Spiwak, MSBME



Also read article about Cardiac Catheterization from Wikipedia

User Contributions:

1
Nancy Kornfield RN
I have a question..Does a interventional cardiologist ever perform botha right and left cardiac catherization at the same time?
2
Jim Myers
I had a heart cath and had two stents as a result. Two-three days later I developed a hemotoma at the site of insertion in the femoral artery. Was bleeding in three areas around the site. Dr. inserted a blood clotting med (don't know the name of the med). Bleeding was stopped and blood flow in the veins looked good after two more ultra sounds. However, leg is now swollen from the knee down to the foot and I have severe pain when I get up in the am or after I sit for 20-30 minutes-primarily in the ankle area. Goes away after I move around 3-4 minutes. Cause of pain and would you expect it to go away? If so, how soon? Any other comments regarding this condition? I am a 78 yr. old male and in good physical condition.
Nancy,
Yes,you can have both a right and left cath. during the same procedure. It is called a bilateral.
4
Rose Mckee
My son-in-law had a cardiac catheterization, after and ekg at his primary's office revealed atrial fibrillation. He subquently developed multiple dvt's in his right lower extremity. He was started on Coumadin, wanting to keep his INR between 2 and 3. Since the heart cath he has had two subsequent admissions to the hospital because of right lower extremity swelling, pain, and most recently cellulitis. Also it was discovered that he has severe weakening of his heart muscle (muga ejection fraction was 22 percent). He is a 47 year-old white male with no previous serious illness or cardiac conditions. My quesiton is, is there any danger of the need for amputation of his right lower extremity?
I recently had a heart cath and the result was no blockages, thanks goodness. My Doctor told me that I had herpersensitivity when he pulled the pigtail cather out of the left ventricle that was why I felt a flutter in my heart. What does this mean?
Thanks
Hi. My 3 mos old daughter just recently went in for a heart cath. The procedure went fine. However, 5 min after procedure was over she went into full cardiac arrest and was down for 50 min. They did excellent cpr and she came back to us without any brain or organ damage. Thank goodness. There was severe damage to her left femeral artery which caused her to have an above knee amputation. My question is: Is this a very common occurence and how should the damage to the artery be treated? They put pressure on the injured site for four hours. Is this normal? I don't remember hearing this was even a possibility when they were telling us the risks. Please let me know. Thank you
I had a cath both left and right side, since this I have been feeling more exhausted than ever. how soon are the risks of complications lessen? I just feel more short of breath that i usually do.
I did call the drs office and the nurse said for me to call my primary care dr. she said my arteries were open. honnestly i would like a little more info than that.
I also have pulmonary hypertension , actually excersise induced, I wanted to talk to the dr some more about this . I also have a-fib and a-flutter, I had an ablation to fix the flutter part , not the fib, wheh tyhe nurse called me back she said that the dr that sees me for the arythmias said just to keep the july appt.
am i being overly cautious ?
anything you could offer to help me
I have a Question, It's says that the procedure is not advise on person who are on anticoagulation treatment, apart of the problems that have been mention, there is others that can appear??
i had a heart cath about 8or9 month a go on my right side is it normel still be sore there?
systems exist from the knee down to the calf of the leg. Experiencing pain into the ankle and foot area.Having difficulty putting pressure on foot in order to walk.
Sudden onset of shortness of breath. Performed heart catherization. No blockages.Results were non ischemic cardiomyopthy left side of heart. Cardiologist advised compression at 33%. What is normal compression in left side of heart?
What causes pain in the arm after pericardial swelling?
I have had an angioplasty and placement of two stents in my coronary artery. This happened 5 days ago. However, I have very dark bruising or discoloration of my upper thigh. It is dark purple with some bluish tint. How long does it take to lose this ugly discoloration, or is mine something to worry about?
14
Diane Wilsomn
I had a cardiac cath 1 day ago and now I am having chest discomfort and back pains. I have pain in my right lower front side.
15
fozia
if you have got flutter its mean that the catheter was touched in the wall of your heart while pulling outside.
16
Jerry
I had a heart cath last year in April. I still have flutter from time to time and sometimes minor discomfort in the chest. I can't afford to see my cardiologist or primary care physician. I lost my job 2 yrs ago, and have no insurance coverage. Any recommendations?
17
Michael
In lay-speak, the terms left and right heart cath have to do with the arterial (left) and the venous (right) systems in the heart muscles.

A diagnostic Left Heart Cath consists of assessing the patency of the three major coronary arteries by injecting radiopaque contrast into the arteries while watching the flow under fluoroscopy - a real-time motion picture x-ray. The three major vessels are: 1.) Left Anterior Descending (or LAD), 2.) Circumflex, and 3.) Right Coronary Artery (or RCA). The LAD and "Circ" branch from the Left Main coronary artery. This is often coupled with a Left Ventriculogram to assess the squeezing function of Left Ventricle. This assessment is used to determine the quality of muscle contraction and to calculate the Ejection Fraction (or EF) - the percentage of oxygenated blood that is pumped out of the LV with each heartbeat. A normal ejection fraction is 50-60%.

A Right Heart Cath is done through the venous system to assess the blood pressure and oxygen content of the blood circulating inside the heart at several locations. This is done to determine if the patient has Pulmonary Hypertension.

In most cases, access to the circulatory system for these procedures is gained in the groin area via the Right Femoral Artery or Vein. Access can also be obtained via the Left Femoral Artery or Vein, or either arm depending on the patient's condition and the physician's preference.
18
Karen
how long should you not allow a patient to apply direct weight on the affected extremity after the arterial sheath is pulled?
19
denise
i just had a heart cath done 4 days ago and since then i have been severely nauseated weak and cant sleep. Not sure if this is how I should feel after a heart cath. The heart cath was performed because on a cat scan it showed a coronary anomolly which turned out to be not the case. And 2 weeks prior to the i just had a heart abalation. Is there something wrong. My heart seems to beat fast at times Could someone tell me is there something wrong?
20
Thomasina
I am scheduled for cardiac cath procedure. What is the percentage of insufficient blood flow that indicates the placement of stents? I have abnormal stress test and echocardiogram. Why isn't heart monitoring done before the cardiac cath procedure.
21
Kate
I am twenty-seven years old and I was rushed to the hospital friday with severe a-fib. About six hours later I was released, for one I have no insurance. But with my family history my doctor is talking about doing a Heart Cath. Can anyone please give me more information? Both of my grandmothers died of heart attcks, and both grand fathers. My mom had a heart attack at the age of forty.I'm terrified. So please can someone tell me what to expect
22
tammie
i will be having a heart cath done in a few weeks and from reading all of this i still dont know how long to ask off from work. I am a food runner /dishwasher at a hospital and i am on my feet 8 hrs at a time and always walking. how many days should i ask off from work after having this done?
23
tammie
i will be having a heart cath done in a few weeks and from reading all of this i still dont know how long to ask off from work. I am a food runner /dishwasher at a hospital and i am on my feet 8 hrs at a time and always walking. how many days should i ask off from work after having this done?
24
Deoma Blackwell
My husband had a cardiac catherization. Afterwards the surgeon told us in the recovery room that he didn't need a stent in his RCA because he had made collateral arteries. He died 16 months later from a heart attack in the RCA. I need help!
25
Mo Craven
I am going to have a cardiac catherisation in a few days I am concerned because I have problems with Varicose veins causing my left leg to swell. I was to have an operation but cancelled as I am overweight. That was a few years ago and my leg swells everyday especially the inner thigh close to the groin and the calf. Should I cancel the cather because of this?
26
Donna Montemayor
Ever hear of someone having a severe reaction to the heart cath dye that causes an excruciating headache, blurred vision, confusion, vomiting?
27
Charlotte
I had a stent put in left artery in heart in 2004, no pain before stent was put in but after I had a burning pain in center of chest, other wise done very well. In 2007 I had another stent put in the same artery overlaping the first stent, the burning pain in center of chest now is a chronic burning pain that I have had for 7 years Dr says this is not the kind of pain that a stent would cause but have been to 8 different Doctors over the years and no one can find a cause for this pain. I believe it was caused by the heart cath procedure. because I did not have any kind of pain in my body ever before the stent procedure. I can not get a yes or a no from a heart Dr. as to could there be some kind of damage that was done when they done the cardiac cath. This pain has ruined my life because it is so intense I can not funtion , can not sleep because of the pain . Can anyone tell me if they have experienced any thing like this after a cardiac cath and where did you go for help??
28
sheila
had hearth cath in may 2013 - all clear - exceptp for LBBB and an ejection fraction of 33 which i did not find out till 5 months later, should my doc have told me and should i be on meds/
I had heart catheter 2 days ago and the doctor said that everything is okay ,but I have some fluttering, I also had 2strokes 2006&2008 ,had pro closure device placed in 2009 ,a ablation to stop a fib. Is it okay to have fluttering and what happens if I lift over 3 lbs cause the doctor said not to lift more that that.could it cause problems to my heart or just the incision.
30
Joanne
I am 51 years ol dang had a heart cath two years ago with normal results. I am now suffering heart attack symptoms but do not want to go to er if I am ok. Can your heart look good and then get bad in only two years?
31
Dony
My job is physical as is stressful, due to time lines and direct staff of 40 people and indirect of additional 60 people, what is sufficient time line to return to work under those condition's? 3 week's-6 week's.
32
teresa
I had heart cath a couple weeks ago done in my rt arm , since then I have had some terrible pain like a catch in my rt side up under my ribs I have been waiting for it to go away but it hurts so bad and feels like I have a rock there , and shoots pain through my upper body and I haven't went to doctor thinking it was a catch in my side but now I am wondering ??? do you think this is something to do with the catheter ???
I am on chemo-dialysis. My cardiologist wants me to have a cardiac catherization because of severe chest pains. Does this condition make the procedure more life threatening?
34
Jason
I had a heart cathe about a year and a hlf ago. Everything was normal thank god. But I was diagnosed with GERD and I know that it causes chest pain. When I get the pain it still scares me. My question is this. Can my heart get blocked in that short of time? Am I just scaring myself into thinking I am having the big one?
My husband had a heart attack, they think about up to a year ago and now it is associated congestive heart failure and cancer in right lung. He is on chemo and cancer has almost disappeared. His heart cath in hospital back in August showed 20% ejection fraction with numerous blockages. Ethics committee states not surgical candidate. But, they could but in stents but now kidney failure stage 3 and they want to wait in putting stents in until kidneys get better. Back in August they gave him 2 months to live. Kidney failure could be due to meds, chemo and decreased blood flow to kidneys due to CHF. He wants to do stent placement even if it means he might not make it? What do you think creatinine is 2.6.
36
Michelle
I am 45 years old and recently had a heart cath because of abnormal EKG, and shortness of breath. Prior to the procedure I had not had a menstrual cycle for 3months. The day after the procedure I started bleeding as if my cycle had returned. The bleeding has been extremely heavy and has lasted for 5 days without signs of stopping.
37
jay
2 days ago i had 3 stent in my coronary arteries the procedure went well and i so far have no complications in fact on this second day i was able to run a mile and half 1o times the distance of what i would be able run 48 hrs ago , but in reading all the complaints on this page, i am beginning to worries
38
Patricia West
I had a heart cath approx. 15 years ago. I had been having angina. During the procedure I experienced a vasospasm (the doc said a small heart attack) The cath was removed quickly and my right artery was torn, so a stent was placed at the sight of the tear. Is this normal?
39
Crystal Hope
How long should arm be sore from having a heart cath done in wrist
40
Darlena Wright
that's the same question I have...arm aches all the time...it's been four days since my cath (normal). could I put heat on my arm?
41
ronfa
Has anyone ever reported a wire coming out of their groin area after a year I had several heart catheter procedure . So I'm not sure when it could of happened my last one was a year or so ago. This hurt like h@!# when it finally poked thru it was approx. 12-15inch along is this possible and what risk would of been present
42
EVELYN
I HAD A HEART CATHERUZATION DONE TODAY i AM GETTING SLIGHT TWING PAIN IN THE RIGHT UPPER CHEST ALSO BLOOD PRESSURE SEEMS TO BE HIGHER THAT USUAL IS THIS NORMAL
43
Ann McLeod
Hello, I had a heart cath about 1-2 weeks ago, all went well , no blockages, no stents this time, Praise God! But now i have a rather big knot in my groin. Was wondering if i need to have this checked out! Thanks!
44
Rhonda Newman
I had a Cath done less than 24 hrs ago and the Doctor told me thaty EKG was not normal but the Cath results were fine.. I'm not able to sleep due to the pain in my right wrist at the site. And my right foot is on fire and it is shooting pain up the inner side of my leg. I'm having chest pain and getting very short of breath and light headed..Do you think I need to get help or try to wait it out more. It's been 5 hrs
45
Bri
I'm surprised that this says the procedure lasts two to three hours. In the UK, we have patients in and out within 30 to 40 minutes for exploratory work.
46
Margaret Hallaway
I have to go for a cathater inserterd in my leg for the blood to flow freely. How long does this take.
47
Margaret Hallaway
I have to go for a cathater inserterd in my leg for the blood to flow freely. How long does this take.
48
Lisa
My husband had a cath done on Thurs. Everything went fine, until Friday night/early Sat. morning and he has thrown up all night. Could this be due to his cath and should I be worried?
49
George
Biggest regret of my life. 30yr old white male, no prior heart issue history or no family heart issues! No prior surgeries, no broken bones, and in shape/regular pt due to the USMC! Had a cath done through my right leg. Reason for the cath was ekg showed a small amount of fluid around the outer heart lining. While the doc was in the heart playing around I felt a sharp poke! I told him it ouch and that hurt! He eventually says all looks great inside! I get dome the procedure and heal fine. Ever since that cath in 2014, I still can feel that same pain in the same location in my heart. It is located high and towards the center of my chest in my heart! My guess is stress may have caused the fluid around the heart! But I regret the uneccessary procedure that I now have constant pain and am paranoid of! The cath I had for was a secondary, yup your good to go! I think the risk was not worth it!

Was preformed at Einstein Hospital in Philadelphia Pa.

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