A cardiac catheterization or angiogram is a procedure that identifies possible problems with the heart or its arteries.  During a catheterization, a thin plastic tube, called a catheter, is inserted into a blood vessel in your groin or arm.  The catheter is guided up toward the heart.  A special dye is injected into the catheter so x-rays can identify any artery blockage or other heart problems.  This comprehensive test shows narrowing in the arteries, outside heart size, inside chamber size, pumping ability of the heart and a measurement of the pressures within the heart and arteries.  This is usually performed on an outpatient basis.

Before the Procedure

• Tell the doctor what medicines you take and about any allergies you have.
• Don't eat or drink anything after midnight, the night before the procedure.
• Know that the skin where the catheter will be inserted may be shaved.  You may be given medication to relax before the procedure.

During the Procedure

• You will receive a local anesthetic to prevent pain at the insertion site.
• The doctor inserts an introducing sheath into a blood vessel in your groin or arm.
• Through the sheath, a long, thin tube called a catheter is placed inside the artery and guided toward your heart.
• To perform different tests or check other parts of the heart, the doctor inserts a new catheter or moves the catheter or x-ray machine.
• For some tests, a contrast dye is injected through the catheter.

After the Procedure

• You will remain lying down for 2-12 hours.
• If the insertion site was in your groin, you may need to lie down with your leg still for several hours.
• A nurse will check your blood pressure and the insertion site.
• You may be asked to drink fluid to help flush the contrast liquid out of your system.
• Have someone drive you home from the hospital.
• It's normal to find a small bruise or lump at the insertion site.  These common side effects should disappear within a few weeks.