What is coronary artery disease?
The heart muscle requires nutrients and oxygen to function properly. The coronary arteries supply the blood flow to the heart muscle. The coronary arteries can become blocked with cholesterol plaque. This is called coronary artery disease. If the plaque buildup is significant, patients may have chest pain or shortness of breath, especially with exertion. Sometimes a clot or thrombus can form on the plaque and completely block the artery, and cause a heart attack.

Why is cardiac catheterization performed?
If a patient has developed symptoms of coronary artery disease, a stress test may be performed. If the stress test is abnormal, suggesting a blocked artery, your doctor may suggest a cardiac catheterization to look for the blockage. Cardiac catheterization is also performed to treat heart attacks. Patients with diseased heart valves may also undergo cardiac catheterization.

What is cardiac catheterization?
A cardiac catheterization allows your doctor to directly visualize the coronary arteries. A small, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted through a blood vessel in the groin or the arm. Your doctor gently steers the catheter toward the heart. Dye put in through the catheter allows your blood vessels to show up as images on a monitor. Blockages in the arteries can be seen at this time. You r doctor will take pictures from many different angles. Patients receive medication to relax during the procedure to minimize any discomfort.

What happens if there is a blockage?
If a blockage is seen in one of the arteries, your doctor may recommend angioplasty to open the blockage. Angioplasty can usually be done at the same time as cardiac catheterization.

What is an angioplasty?
During angioplasty, your doctor places a special catheter with a small balloon on the end near the blockage in the artery. The balloon is inflated and presses the plaque againt the artery wall, allowing for better blood flow. After the angioplasty, your doctor may use another catheter to implant a stent. A stent is a tiny mesh tube that holds the artery open. Stents also prevent arteries from becoming blocked again.

What can I expect on the day of the procedure?
Patients should not eat or drink anything on the morning of the procedure. Most medications can be taken in the morning with a sip of water. There is no need to stop aspirin before the test. Diabetics should not take insulin or diabetic medication.

The procedure is performed in a cath lab in a hospital. On the day of the procedure, you will have blood drawn and an intravenous line placed. You will receive medication to relax and local anesthetic medication to numb the area where the catheter is placed. If you receive a stent, you will stay in the hospital overnight. If there is no blockage, you will be able to return home the same day.