WHAT IS A CARDIAC CATHERIZATION?
Cardiac catheterization involves passing a catheter (a thin flexible tube) from the femoral artery in the leg up to the heart’s coronary arteries. The procedure is performed to obtain diagnostic information about the heart or its blood vessels or to provide treatment in certain types of heart conditions. Cardiac catheterization can be used to determine pressure and blood flow in the heart's chambers, collect blood samples from the heart, and examine the arteries of the heart with an x-ray technique called fluoroscopy. Fluoroscopy provides immediate ("real-time") visualization of the x-ray images on a screen and provides a permanent record of the procedure. The most common condition that your cardiologist will be looking for is problematic plaque blockages.

HOW IS THE TEST PERFORMED?
You will be given a mild sedative prior to the test to help you relax. An intravenous (IV) line is inserted into one of the blood vessels in your arm, neck, or groin after the site has been cleansed and numbed with a local anesthetic. A catheter is then inserted through the IV and into your blood vessel. The catheter is carefully threaded into the heart using an x-ray machine that produces real-time pictures (fluoroscopy). Once the catheter is in place, contrast material is injected and pictures are taken.

WHY IS THE TEST PERFORMED?
Cardiac catheterization is usually performed to evaluate heart valves, heart function and blood supply. It may also be used to determine the need for heart surgery.