Cardiac catheterization

Cardiac catheterization is a diagnostic procedure that looks at the coronary arteries and the left ventricle. It is also sometimes referred to as a heart catheterization, left heart catheterization or coronary angiogram.

It is used to determine the degree of coronary artery disease in the heart and it gives the physician information on how best to treat it. Sometimes the decision is made during the procedure to proceed immediately on to a coronary angioplasty. Other treatment options could include coronary bypass surgery (open heart surgery) or treatment with medicine.

Cardiac catheterization involves threading a catheter up from an artery in the groin or wrist to the heart. Contrast (dye) is injected into the coronary arteries and the left ventricle, and images of these areas are highlighted using fluoroscopy (a type of medical imaging that uses X-rays to produce real time moving images). This test is considered the gold standard for diagnosing coronary artery disease.

People that have physical symptoms that could be related coronary artery disease often get referred for this procedure. These symptoms might include:

• Chest pain, arm pain, neck pain or indigestion
• Shortness of breath
• Excessive tiredness
• Less stamina

Generally, your doctor will have ordered other tests before you go for a cardiac catheterization. These may include:

• Bloodwork
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Stress test (exercise tolerance test or ETT)
• MIBI (nuclear scan)
• CT angiogram

You will be contacted by the triage coordinator by telephone with a date and time for your procedure. They will provide basic instructions at that time.

You will then receive written instructions from your cardiologist in the mail. This will include instructions for any change in medications and dietary restrictions prior to your procedure.

In addition, Fraser Health has put together a guide to preparing for a cardiac catheterization. The most important points to remember are:

The following Fraser Health patient education materials provide information on preparing and caring for yourself after a cardiac catheterization: 

• Cardiac catheterization preparation guide
• Having a heart catheterization and possible treatment 
• After a heart catheterization and possible percutaneous coronary intervention (English)
  This resource is also available in Chinese Simplified, French and Punjabi.