Basics
This is the main organ targeted during a cardiac catheterization.
What is the heart?
A common reason a patient is sent for catheterization due to chest discomfort.
What is angina?
A common bruising-related complication.
What is a hematoma?
The patient must give this before the procedure begins.
What is informed consent?
Patients are often advised to do this for several hours after the procedure.
What is lie flat or rest?
This is the general purpose of cardiac catheterization.
What is to diagnose or treat heart conditions?
Catheterization can confirm this type of artery blockage.
What is coronary artery disease?
This risk involves unintended puncture or damage to a blood vessel.
What is vascular injury?
This sterile procedure is performed to access the artery.
What is a puncture or arterial cannulation?
Patients should monitor this area for swelling or bleeding.
What is the insertion site?
Cardiac catheterization is usually inserted through this major artery.
What is the femoral or radial artery?
This heart event might be treated with catheterization.
What is a heart attack?
A rare but serious risk involving the lungs.
What is pulmonary embolism?
This medication is often used to prevent clotting during catheterization.
What is heparin?
This common advice involves fluids post-procedure.
What is increase fluid intake to flush out contrast?
This imaging technique often accompanies catheterization to visualize the vessels.
What is fluoroscopy
This inherited condition affecting the heart's muscle may warrant a catheter study.
What is cardiomyopathy?
This reaction to contrast dye can cause serious complications.
What is an allergic reaction or contrast-induced nephropathy?
This is measured during catheterization to assess heart function.
What is blood pressure or intracardiac pressure?
This symptom should be reported immediately post-procedure.
What is chest pain or shortness of breath?
The name for catheterization of the left side of the heart.
What is left heart catheterization?
This congenital heart condition can be assessed using catheterization.
What is a septal defect
This potentially deadly condition involves the heart's electrical system.
What is arrhythmia?
The insertion site is usually sealed afterward using this.
What is a closure device or manual compression?
Patients are often scheduled for this type of care to discuss results.
What is a follow-up appointment or cardiology visit?