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Cardiac catheterization is a common procedure used to diagnose and treat a variety of heart conditions.
At Dignity Health, we care about your heart and want optimal outcomes for your mind, body, and spirit. Our compassionate, skilled heart specialists offer exceptional diagnostic tools to check the condition of your heart and blood vessels. Our physicians use the latest technology to ensure that you receive an accurate diagnosis. Determining the exact condition of your heart will guide our renowned team of surgeons in selecting the best course of treatment available for you.
Doctors use cardiac catheterization to search for the presence of plaque build-up inside the arteries. The procedure requires the use of a catheter (thin, narrow tube inserted into the body) and X-rays.
Heart specialists use cardiac catheterization to perform many diagnostic tests and some treatments, including:
You will likely be admitted to the hospital on the day of the procedure.
Here's what to expect. During cardiac catheterization, your doctor will:
After the test, you may need to:
You should note that it is normal to find a small bruise or lump at the insertion site. It should disappear within a few weeks.
Before coming in for a cardiac catheterization, arrange for a family member or friend to drive you back home. Also, be sure that you:
For more information, please view our Cardiac Surgery page, or call us to Find a Doctor.