Cardiac Catheterization | Vibepedia

Cardiac catheterization, often called a heart cath, is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat heart conditions. A thin, flexible tube (catheter) is inserted into a blood vessel, usually in the groin or arm, and guided to the heart. This allows doctors to measure pressures, take blood samples, and visualize the heart's chambers and coronary arteries, often with the aid of contrast dye and X-rays (angiography). It's a cornerstone for diagnosing coronary artery disease, valve issues, and congenital heart defects, and can also be used for interventions like angioplasty and stenting. While generally safe, risks include bleeding, infection, and damage to blood vessels or the heart.