A heart cath is also called cardiac catheterization, cardiac cath or coronary
angiogram. A heart cath shows blood vessels of the heart and the inside of
the heart as it pumps. A tube called a catheter is put into a blood vessel in
the top of your leg in your groin or in your arm. It is then guided into your
heart. Dye is put in through the catheter and x-rays are taken.
Narrowed blood vessels can lead to chest pain or a heart attack. A heart
angioplasty, also called a PTCA (Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary
Angioplasty) or balloon angioplasty, may be done with a heart cath if you
have narrowed blood vessels in the heart. With this procedure, a balloon on
the end of the catheter will be used to open up the blood vessel to improve
blood flow. A stent, which is a small, wire tube-like device, may be placed
to keep the blood vessel open.
Arrive on time for your procedure. You may need to stay overnight in the
hospital. Plan to have an adult family member or friend take you home.