$Unique_ID{BRK00831}
$Pretitle{Special Procedures and Laboratory Tests, Circulatory System}
$Title{The Process of "Cardiac Catheterization"}
$Subject{catheterization heart}
$Volume{P-3, G-3}
$Log{
Figure 1*0008901.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


The Process of "Cardiac Catheterization"


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QUESTION:  My father is to undergo a heart test where a tube is to be placed
in his arm and various examinations performed.  What can you tell me about
this process?  We are concerned about Dad's well-being.

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ANSWER:  In cases where doctors need to test for heart disease, "cardiac
catheterization" is often performed.  A small, thin tube known as a catheter
is inserted into a vein or artery in either the arm or groin, and and slowly
advanced into the heart itself.  (Since the interior of blood vessels have no
nerve endings, this process is all but painless.)
     Once positioned in the heart, the doctor uses the catheter to inject a
harmless contrast material also called a "dye" into the heart that will show
up on x-ray films and permit filming the heart in action.  (The injection of
the dye itself may trigger a warm, flushing sensation.)  This movie, known as
a ventriculogram reveals the heart's pumping action, a key indication of that
critical muscle's health.  This same method can also be used to inject dye
into the arteries in order to create a similar x-ray record known as a
coronary arteriogram.
     It may also be necessary to inject a variety of other medications through
the catheter depending upon your Dad's medical condition, from heparin to thin
blood, to nitroglycerin to dilate coronary arteries and reduce strain on the
heart, as well as other drugs to control its rhythm and relieve angina.  These
tests can do much to evaluate your father's condition and assure that his
treatment will be correct and effective.
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
