Cardiac catheterization is a minimally invasive procedure that allows doctors to diagnose and treat cardiac conditions. Dr. Raveen R. Arora, MD, FACC, in Anaheim, California, is a board-certified cardiologist specializing in invasive cardiology procedures like cardiac catheterization. Dr. Arora and the long-time staff at the private practice are dedicated to giving patients all the diagnostic tools and treatments necessary to improve heart health. Call today to schedule a consultation to learn more about cardiac catheterization.

request an appointment

What should I know about cardiac catheterization?

Cardiac catheterization, also called cardiac cath, is a medical procedure doctors do to diagnose and treat conditions that affect the heart. For the procedure, doctors insert a thin, flexible tube called a catheter into a blood vessel and advance it into the heart.

Through the catheter, your doctor does tests, takes samples, and fixes problems.

My other heart tests were inconclusive. Do I need cardiac catheterization?

If your symptoms suggest a heart problem and other tests, like an electrocardiogram (EKG) or ultrasound (echocardiogram), fail to provide conclusive data for a diagnosis, Dr. Arora could recommend a cardiac cath.

The minimally invasive procedure can diagnose heart conditions such as:

  • Arrhythmia (abnormal heartbeat)
  • Cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle)
  • Heart attack
  • Coronary artery disease (CAD)
  • Heart valve disease
  • Pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs)

He may also recommend cardiac catheterization to evaluate your heart before heart surgery. Cardiac catheterization is also used to perform angioplasty (a procedure to open blocked arteries) and place stents (a medical device that keeps arteries open).

What can I expect during cardiac catheterization?

Cardiac catheterization is done in a cath lab, basically a small operating room. Your doctor places an intravenous (IV) line in your arm to give you medicine that helps you relax.

They inject a numbing medication at the site where they’ll place the catheter (upper thigh, arm, or neck). Your doctor inserts a needle into the blood vessel, places a guidewire, and removes the needle.

They put a small tube around the guidewire in the blood vessel, remove the guidewire, and insert the catheter. Your doctor advances the catheter into position and carries out the necessary tests or procedures.

After the procedure, you go to the recovery area for monitoring. Some patients will stay in the hospital overnight, depending on their diagnosis and which procedure is done.

How long is recovery from cardiac catheterization?

Recovery from cardiac catheterization varies. Dr. Arora gives you specific instructions about wound care and activity to support the healing process. Most patients completely recover within a week or less.

Dr. Arora schedules follow-up visits to monitor your recovery and provide additional care based on findings from the cardiac cath or procedures.

Dr. Raveen R. Arora, MD, FACC, offers personalized, comprehensive, cutting-edge cardiology care. Call today to schedule your consultation.