Key Points

• Cardiac catheterization is a medical procedure used to diagnose and treat certain heart conditions. A long, thin, flexible tube called a catheter is put into a blood vessel in your arm, groin (upper thigh), or neck and threaded to your heart. Through the catheter, doctors can do diagnostic tests and treatments.
• Cardiac catheterization most often is used to evaluate chest pain. It also may be done during a heart attack to identify narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. You also may need this procedure if other tests suggest you have coronary heart disease (also called coronary artery disease).
• Before having cardiac catheterization, discuss with your doctor how to prepare for the test and any special steps you need to follow. It may not be safe to drive after the procedure, so you must arrange for a ride home.
• Cardiac catheterization is done in a hospital. During the procedure, you'll be kept on your back and awake. This allows you to follow your doctor's instructions during the procedure. You'll be given medicine to help you relax.
• After the procedure, you'll be moved to a special care area. You will rest there for several hours or overnight. During this time, your movement will be limited to avoid bleeding from the site where the catheter was inserted.
• A small bruise may develop at the site where the catheter was inserted. That area may feel sore or tender for about a week. You need to let your doctor know if you have a lot of bleeding from that area or signs of infection. You may have to avoid doing certain activities, such as heavy lifting, for a short time after the procedure.
• Cardiac catheterization is a common medical procedure that rarely causes serious complications. The risk of complications is higher in people who have diabetes and kidney disease, and in older people and women.