Cardiac catheterization, also known as coronary angiography or coronary
catheterization, is a medical procedure used to diagnose and treat heart
conditions.
A thin tube, called a catheter, is inserted through an artery, usually
in the groin or wrist, and guided to the coronary arteries using X-ray
imaging.
Contrast dye is injected to make arteries visible on X-rays.
The images help cardiologists diagnose blockages or other heart issues.
Cardiac catheterization is a crucial tool in assessing heart health,
guiding treatment decisions, and improving blood flow to the heart.
The patient is usually given a sedative to relax and local anesthesia to
numb the insertion site. Vital signs are monitored throughout the
procedure.
In some cases, cardiac catheterization can be used to treat heart
problems. Procedures like angioplasty and stent placement are performed
during catheterization to open narrowed or blocked coronary arteries and
improve blood flow to the heart muscle.
