Cardiac Catheterization Doctors in NYC
What is cardiac catheterization?
Cardiac catheterization, also referred to as heart cath, is a procedure that helps your doctor assess the health of your heart and relating blood vessels.
Why is cardiac catheterization done?
Cardiac catheterization is done so that your doctor can determine if there is a problem with your heart. Cardiac catheterization can help your doctor:
- Detect the location of narrowed or blocked vessels
- Evaluate the pressure and oxygen levels in your heart
- Assess how your heart is pumping blood
- Obtain tissue samples from your heart
- Diagnose heart defects
- Examine your heart valves
If you have been diagnosed with a heart condition, a cardiac catheterization may also be used to help correct the cause. Cardiac catheterization may be used in certain correctional procedures, such as cardiac ablation, right heart catheterization, and other procedures, including:
- Angioplasty with or without stent placement
- Fixing certain congenital heart defects
- Replacing or repairing damaged heart valves
- Balloon valvuloplasty
- Blocking off parts of your heart to help prevent blood clots
- Alcohol septal ablation
What does cardiac catheterization involve?
Cardiac catheterization involves your doctor moving a medical device, called a catheter, through the blood vessels that bring blood to your heart. The procedure typically occurs in a cardiac catheterization lab – also known as a cath lab – and begins with your doctor gently placing an IV in your arm to administer certain medications that may help you relax during the procedure.
Once you are relaxed and comfortable, your doctor will shave, clean, numb, and puncture the skin – typically near your groin area or sometimes your wrist – to reach the blood vessel through which the catheter will be guided to your heart. Depending on your procedure, the catheter will be equipped with certain medical tools. The various medical tools can be used to:
- Measure the blood pressure in each heart chamber
- Measure the blood pressure in your blood vessels
- Assess the inside of your blood vessels
- Obtain blood samples or tissue samples from your heart
After the cardiac catheterization procedure, your doctor may provide you with aftercare instructions. To help ensure optimal recovery time, be sure to review and adhere to all instructions. Contact your doctor if you experience unusual bruising, swelling, or fluid drainage around the puncture site.
What are the benefits of using cardiac catheterization?
The benefit of cardiac catheterization is that it helps aid in the diagnosis and treatment of certain heart conditions through the assessment of your blood vessels and heart. Specific benefits include helping your doctor:
- Detect the location of narrowed or blocked vessels
- Evaluate the pressure and oxygen levels in your heart
- Assess how your heart is pumping blood
- Obtain tissue samples from your heart
- Diagnose heart defects
- Examine your heart valves
If you are interested in learning more about cardiac catheterization, visit Heart Vein NYC. Our heart and vein doctors at Heart Vein NYC have over 20 years of experience providing the New York City area with comprehensive, personalized cardiovascular care. Contact our compassionate heart doctors if you want to learn more about the procedures we offer to help you work towards a heart-healthy future. Call (212) 226-8000 or schedule an appointment with Heart Vein NYC today.
