Risks of Cardiac Catheterization!
What To Expect From A Minimally-Invasive Type of Cardiac Catheterization?
Cardiac Catheterization and Its Need
Cardiac catheterization is a procedure for diagnosing & treating heart conditions. This also helps to check the condition of blood vessels in supplying blood to the heart. It involves advancing a thin flexible tube called a catheter through a blood vessel mostly in your arm or leg to reach the heart. Doctors use this procedure to assess the heart’s structure & function. Doctors also use it to identify any blockages in the coronary arteries. They can even use it to treat certain heart conditions, such as heart arrhythmias. Cardiac catheterization is a safe and effective procedure that can save lives. It is often used to diagnose and treat heart conditions that may not be apparent on other tests, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG). This procedure can also be coupled with other heart procedures such as angioplasty, heart biopsy, stent placement, repair of any present heart defects, and also replacement of any malfunctioning heart valve.
If you have been diagnosed with a heart condition, your doctor may recommend cardiac catheterization. The procedure can provide important information about your heart health and help your doctor determine the best course of treatment if there is anything abnormal.
Risks of Cardiac Catheterization!
Cardiac catheterization procedure is generally safe. Complications are rare, but can include bleeding, infection, and damage to your heart, arteries, or nerves. Like any other procedure, this also has a few risks. These risks include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms)
- Stroke
If you are considering having a cardiac catheterization, be sure to talk to an expert cardiologist about all of the risks and benefits before making a decision.
What To Expect From A Minimally-Invasive Type of Cardiac Catheterization?
During the procedure, your doctor will do one or more of the following:
- Measure the pressure in your heart chambers and coronary arteries
- Take pictures of your heart’s arteries (angiography) illuminated by using a contrast dye to check for any blockages in the arteries
- Obtain a sample of your heart tissue for analysis (biopsy)
- Treat certain heart conditions with minimally invasive techniques such as angioplasty, stenting, closure of defects, or valve replacement.
Before The Procedure – Your doctor will likely do a complete physical exam and order lab and radiology tests to evaluate your heart function. Doctor will ask you to remain empty stomach for several hours before the procedure.
During The Procedure – You’ll be given a local anesthetic to numb the area where the catheter will be inserted. Your doctor will also inject a sedative to help you feel at ease. Once the catheter is in place, you won’t feel any pain, although you may feel some pressure.
After The Procedure – The catheter will be removed and the incision site will be closed with a stitch or two. Doctor will then take you to a recovery area. There, he will monitor you for any complications. You can expect to return home usually on the same day.
It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions after the procedure. You may need to take it easy for a few days and avoid any type of strenuous activity. You may also need to take medication to prevent formation of postoperative blood clots.
Dr. Arun – A Highly Experienced Board Certified Interventional Cardiologist
Has your doctor recommended you or someone in your family to undergo cardiac catheterization? Is this due to your/their deteriorating heart health? Are you looking for an expert pair of hands to ensure complete safety? You should certainly consult Dr. Arun Hari. He happens to be a very renowned cardiac catheterization specialist in India. He has great success in interventional cardiology with pinpoint precision especially in doing cardiac catheterization and other related procedures.
