Why do People have Cardiac Catheterization?
A cardiac cath provides information on how well your heart works, identifies problems and allows for procedures to open blocked arteries. For example, during cardiac cath your doctor may:
- Take X-rays using contrast dye injected through the catheter to look for narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. This is called coronary angiography or coronary arteriography.
- Perform a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) such as coronary angioplasty with stenting to open up narrowed or blocked segments of a coronary artery.
- Check the pressure in the four chambers of your heart.
- Take samples of blood to measure the oxygen content in the four chambers of your heart.
- Evaluate the ability of the pumping chambers to contract.
- Look for defects in the valves or chambers of your heart.
- Remove a small piece of heart tissue to examine under a microscope (biopsy).
Undergoing Cardiac Catheterization involves some risks, but the Best Cardiac Surgeons in Pune at Hriday Mitra Cardia Clinic, like Dr. Rahul Sawant, take utmost care. Possible risks include minor problems like feeling sick due to the dye used.
What are the Risks of Cardiac Catheterization?
Cardiac Catheterization is usually very safe. A small number of people have minor problems. Some develop bruises where the catheter had been inserted (puncture site). The contrast dye that makes the arteries show up on X-rays causes some people to feel sick to their stomachs, get itchy or develop hives.
Bleeding: Cardiac catheterization involves the insertion of a catheter into blood vessels, posing a risk of bleeding at the catheter site or within the blood vessels.
Infection: There is a potential for infection at the catheter insertion site, though this risk is relatively low with modern medical practices.
Allergic Reactions: Some patients may experience allergic reactions to the contrast dye used during the procedure, leading to symptoms such as rash, itching, or more severe reactions.
Blood Vessel Damage: The insertion of catheters into blood vessels carries a risk of vessel damage, which could result in blood vessel narrowing or, in rare cases, dissection.
Heart Rhythm Issues: Cardiac catheterization can sometimes trigger arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), although these are usually temporary and resolve on their own.
Dr. Rahul Sawant, leading at Hriday Mitra Cardia Clinic, sets the standard for the Best Cardiac Catheterization in Pune. Safety is paramount, and while minor problems are rare, a small number may encounter injury to the contrast dye used during the procedure, manifesting as nausea, itchiness, or hives.
