Cardiac Catheterization at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital
L&M hospital has two dedicated state of the art cardiac cath labs. If your cardiologist has recommended that your or your loved one have a cardiac cath. This information will assist you in your understanding of the procedure.
Signs of heart trouble which may make your physician suspect you have heart problems:
- You have chest pain (ie angina): This is a painful or uncomfortable feeling in or near your chest.
- Stress testing indicates a problem with your coronary arteries.
- Cardiac specific cath scan indicates a problem with your coronary arteries.
- You have symptoms of heart value or heart muscle problems. Symptoms include weakness, dizziness, shortness of breath, and swollen legs or feet.
- An abnormal echocardiogram.
What is a cardiac catheterization and what does it show? This test shows:
- How the heart is pumping
- If any of the coronary arteries are blocked
- If the heart valves are working properly
- If the heart has been damaged
The Procedure: In this test, a small catheter or tube is inserted into an artery and guided into the heart. Contrast dye is injected through the catheter which causes the vessel to be visible on the cath lab imaging camera. The area where the catheter will be inserted is numbed and the patient will be offered light IV sedation during the test. The test is not painful and you will be awake but sedated and comfortable. As the contrast is injected you may feel warm for a few seconds. After reviewing the images or xrays, your physician will determine the results and develop a treatment plan with you.
How to prepare for a cardiac procedure:
- Bring in a list of your current medications
- Nothing to eat for 8 hrs pre procedure or generally NPO after 12 midnight
- Arrival time is generally 1-2 hours pre procedure (You will be instructed on what time to arrive)
- Arrange for a ride home after the procedure (outpatient only)
If you or your loved one has been scheduled for a cardiac cath procedure and would like more information contact the Cardiac Cath lab @ (860) 442-0711 x 2690 between 7-4 pm Monday – Friday.