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<
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International Services |
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Tel.(66)-3825-9999#1155 |
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email: bphint@bph.co.th |
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:: Worldwide insurance assistance
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Interpreters available for Arabic, Bangla, Danish, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Malayu, Mandarin, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Tagalog, Thai and Urdu. |
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| Cardiac
Cathetelization |
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 What
is a cardiac catheterization? 
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A
cardiac catheterzation is a minimal invasive test that
offers clear accurate information about the heart, the
coronary arteries located on the surface of the heart
and possibly, the aorta. A small tube called a catheter
is used to help a physician identify narrowed or clogged
arteries, evaluate the heart's four valves and assess
congenital heart defects.
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There
are four major procedures to a cardiac catheterization:
- Measuring
blood pressure within the heart's major arteries
- Taking
blood samples for testing
- Performing
a coronary angiogram, and x-ray of the coronary arteries
- Performing
a left ventriculogram, an x-ray of the lower left chamber
of the heart
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| Why
are cardiac catheterizations performed? |
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A
cardiac catheterization may be performed for two reasons.
First, it may provide important information about the heart
and major arteries, help the physician to more clearly see
the source of a heart-related problem and determine whether
the patient is a good candidate for surgery.
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Secondly,
cardiac catheterizations are performed to help make a diagnosis.
They are usually done after other, less invasive, tests have
been performed on patients who may have a heart-related condition.
A cardiac catheterization would follow tests such
as:
- An
electrocardiogram (EKG), recording the heart's electrical
activity on a moving strip of paper
- An
echocardiogram, using sound waves to create an image of the
heart's structure and function
- An
exercise stress test, using EKG technology while the patient
exercises on a treadmill or stationary bicycle
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| How
do you prepare for a cardiac catheterization? |
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Patients
will be advised to continue taking most medications as normal,
with some exceptions such as anticoagulants and antiplatelets.
These medications interfere with the blood's ability to
clot, so dosage may be reduced or the medication suspended
at some point prior to the test. Patients are encouraged
to discuss their full medication schedule, including over-the-counter
drugs and dietary supplements with their physician, so all
necessary adjustments can be prescribed.
All
patients should supply the physician with copies of
previous test results, such as EKGs, (if available).
Diabetic patients may require further preparation instructions
and should seek further guidance from their physician.
On
the morning of the test, a light breakfast is suggested.
Immediately before the test, patients will be asked
various questions about their medical history.
Patients should inform the Doctor of
any medical history of blood clotting disorders
or allergic reactions to:
- Iodine
- Shellfish
- Strawberries
- Dyes
used in previous tests or procedures
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| What
happens during a cardiac catheterization? |
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Cardiac catheterization may be performed as either an inpatient
or outpatient procedure. It takes place in a cool, sterile
catheterization laboratory. The patient is made comfortable
and then an intravenous (I.V.) tube is inserted to deliver
a sedative and any other necessary medications. Heart rate
and rhythms are continually monitored.
The
catheter is usually inverted into the femoral artery
in the thigh/groin, but some physicians may choose to
use the elbow or wrist. It is then fed towards the heart,
which could cause some minor discomfort. When the catheter
reaches the target area, blood pressure measurements
and possibly blood samples will be taken. A dye is injected
through the catheter. This injection could cause a brief
feeling of nausea, a headache, palpitations or a flushing/reddening
across the body.
The
physician will usually perform the ventriculogram first,
followed by a coronary angiogram and, in some cases,
an aortogram.
The test typically takes about one hour.
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