Page 2 - Cardiology Pamphlet
P. 2
CARDIAC
CATHETERIZATION
Cardiac catheterization, also
known as cardiac cath or heart
cath, is a procedure to
examine how well your heart is
working. A thin, hollow tube
called a catheter is inserted
into a large blood vessel that
leads to your heart. CORONARY
ANGIOGRAM
The coronary arteries supply
your heart muscle with blood.
They can become clogged from
a buildup of cholesterol, cells,
or other substances. This can
reduce the flow of blood to
your heart. If a blood clot forms
and blocks blood flow through
that artery, a heart attack may
occur. A coronary angiogram is
a special X-ray test to find out if
your coronary arteries are
blocked or narrowed, where
and by how much.
CORONARY
ANGIOPLASTY
Angioplasty opens blocked
arteries and restores normal
blood flow to your heart
muscle. It is not major surgery.
STENT PLACEMENTS It is done by threading a
A stent is a tiny wire mesh catheter (thin tube) through a
tube. It props open an artery small puncture in a leg or arm
and is left there permanently. artery to the heart. The blocked
Stents help keep coronary artery is opened by inflating a
arteries open and reduce the tiny balloon in it.
chance of a heart attack. A
stent is inserted into the
clogged artery with a balloon
catheter. The balloon is inflated
and the stent expands and
locks in place. This holds the
artery open and allows blood
to flow more freely.
