Diagnostic Cardiac Catheterization

Diagnostic cardiac catheterization (diagnostic coronary angiography) is an invasive medical procedure performed under local anesthesia. Currently, cardiac catheterization is defined as the most effective diagnostic procedure for diagnosing atherosclerosis and the condition of the heart.

Objectives of diagnostic cardiac catheterization

• To show the structure of the coronary arteries.
• To show narrowed and blocked coronary arteries in the heart, and to determine where and how severe they are.
• To show the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart.
• To show the activity of heart valves.
• To show the heart’s activity (a contraction of the heart ventricles and the heart muscle overall).
• To show additional arteries, as medically needed.

In most instances, the catheterization will be performed by means of the introduction of a catheter via the main artery in the groin. From there, it is passed through to the coronary arteries. The path through which the catheter is passed is carefully monitored using contrast material, under x-ray guidance. In certain cases, the catheter could also be introduced via the wrist.

The patient will be referred for diagnostic cardiac catheterization in the following cases

• If there are known risk factors.
• Following previous examinations that raise suspicion of atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries (e.g. positive stress test, positive heart scan).
• If the narrowing of blood vessels in the heart is suspected.
• If the patient suffers from angina pectoris (chest pain during exertion).
• If the patient is suffering from prolonged chest pain for an unknown reason.

Since the procedure is performed under x-ray guidance, which could impair the normal development of an unborn child, this procedure is not performed in pregnant women. Depending on the procedure’s findings, a decision may be made on switching from diagnostic cardiac catheterization to therapeutic cardiac catheterization (coronary angioplasty), or decisions regarding further treatment may be made after completion of the procedure and analysis of the results.