Cardiac catheterization is performed by a specially trained team of technicians,
nurses, and doctors. A long, thin, flexible tube, a catheter, is inserted into
a blood vessel in the arm or leg. A special type of x-ray screen, called a fluoroscope,
shows the blood vessels and the heart so the doctor can guide the catheter into
the correct position.
Heart pressures are measured inside the heart chambers. Samples of blood are
taken through the catheter. Other tests depend on your particular problems.
X-ray studies are usually made during cardiac catheterization. Dye is injected
through the catheter into different areas of the heart. One type, the coronary
angiogram, shows blood flow through the coronary arteries to locate blockages.
A ventriculogram shows the size and pumping action of the heart muscle, as well
as the opening and closing of the heart valves.
The electrical conduction system can also be tested to pinpoint the cause of
irregular heartbeats and test how well the drugs are working to correct them.
