You may have heard of the procedure called cardiac catheterization in Monsey, New Square, Bardonia, Nyack, Hillcrest, Nanuet, NY, and the surrounding areas and perhaps wondered what it was and when it should be used. Sometimes called heart catheterization, this procedure is done as a diagnostic tool when other options either aren’t as revealing or don’t provide adequate details. Cardiology of Hudson Valley is your place for all of the important details related to cardiac catheterization, and we may recommend one. If this procedure is recommended, it is important to understand what is happening and what information will be gleaned from the procedure. And this diagnostic tool can also help to plan further treatment that may be needed, such as clearing a blockage in an artery, or even placing a stent. Talk with our team today to learn more about the use of cardiac catheterization.
How The Procedure Works
There are two options with cardiac catheterization, a left heart and a right heart catheterization. The left side version looks at your coronary arteries and the heart chambers on the left side of your heart, where the right side looks at the veins and the right side of your heart. The doctor will put a very tiny catheter into a patient’s blood vessel and move that catheter to the heart and use contrast dye to better view what is happening with your arteries, veins, and the heart itself.
The procedure itself lasts about 30 minutes and does not require any large incisions, leading to much faster recovery. The entire process from intake to release will be several hours at least, and you will need to cease eating and taking medications for at least 6-8 hours before the test. You will be given a sedative, but only to relax you, as you will still be awake for the procedure.
Recovery Expectations from the Procedure
People typically recover from cardiac catheterization fairly rapidly. Care needs to be taken for several hours after the procedure, where you will be monitored, but afterward when at home, you can do most things as you normally would, except no immersion in water for a week for the puncture site. While there are some risks associated with the procedure, the benefits far outweigh these risks, and the vast majority of patients recover just fine, and without any ill effects.
While cardiac catheterization can be scary in Monsey, New Square, Bardonia, Nyack, Hillcrest, Nanuet, NY, and the surrounding areas, it is a great tool to help patients with heart issues and to plan for future medical needs. At Cardiology of Hudson Valley, we can help to prepare you for a cardiac catheterization and explain the reasons why we are recommending the procedure. This individualized care is a hallmark of our personalized care. Contact us today to learn more and schedule your appointment with our cardiologist.