Minor discomfort and bruising are likely at the catheter incision site. If you are in pain, your doctor can prescribe pain medication. Because of the sedative drug used during the surgery, you will need to have someone drive you home following the procedure.
Your Recuperation In certain circumstances, the catheter is inserted into an arm blood vessel. Your groin or arm may bruise and be uncomfortable for a day or two following the treatment. That's normal.
If the catheter enters through your groin, you might have pain there during the first few days after the procedure.
If the catheter enters through your upper arm, you might have pain, redness, and warmth there after a cardiac catheterization procedure. However, if the pain continues for more than three weeks or if it interferes with your daily activities, then you need to see your doctor.
Catheterization hazards include an adverse response to the contrast material or drugs used during the treatment. Bleeding, infection, and bruising are all possible at the catheter insertion site. Clots in the circulation, which can lead to a heart attack, stroke, or other major condition if they break away from the original clot, may also occur as a result of the catheter procedure.
If you have a history of heart disease or blood problems, you should not undergo this procedure without first discussing the risks with your doctor. Your cardiologist or vascular surgeon will be able to tell you more about the specific risks associated with catheterization and provide advice on what measures can be taken to reduce these risks.
Heart attacks are caused by clots that block one of the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart. If this artery is blocked by a clot, it cannot provide oxygen to some of the muscles and organs in the body, such as the left side of the heart. These areas then become deprived of oxygen, which leads to discomfort and sometimes death.
It is not known exactly why some people develop clots while others do not.
After the treatment, you will be allowed to eat and drink. The length of your hospital stay will be determined by your health. If you have a further treatment, such as angioplasty and stent placement, you may be able to go home the same day as your catheterization, or you may need to stay overnight or longer.
You should not drive for at least 24 hours after a cardiac procedure. You should avoid lifting weights or other forms of physical stress for a few days after the procedure.
Generally, it is not necessary to remain in the hospital after having a cardiac catheterization. However, if any symptoms occur that require attention during your recovery period, you will be asked to return to the hospital.
The day following the surgery, you should anticipate to feel weary and weak. Take walks around the neighborhood and plan to relax during the day. To prevent bleeding from the catheter insertion site, do not strain during bowel movements for the first 3 to 4 days following the surgery.
These are only some of the possible reactions to a heart catheterization procedure. Be sure to tell your doctor if you experience any symptoms that last longer than what is recommended in this information sheet.
You should feel some pressure but not discomfort. Inform your doctor if you have any discomfort. When the catheter is in place, the lights will be dimmed and a little quantity of dye (also known as contrast material) will be inserted through the catheters into your arteries and heart chambers. This will make sure there are no blockages in these vessels.
The procedure itself takes about an hour. You will be given mild pain medication before the procedure and after you finish it as well.
Heart catheterization is very useful for people who may not otherwise be able to undergo other types of tests. For example, it can help doctors find the cause of unexplained chest pains or problems with blood flow to the legs. It can also help determine if your heart valve disease is causing symptoms or if more serious issues such as heart failure are present. Heart catheterization is usually done under local anesthesia but sometimes general anesthesia is needed.
If nothing abnormal is found during heart catheterization, then you do not need further treatment or testing. If abnormalities are found, they will be treated immediately. If there is an obstruction in one of your coronary arteries, you may need surgery to remove the blockage or expand the artery wall with radiation therapy or stents.
People who have had a heart attack should not undergo heart catheterization unless it is recommended by their doctor.