Question 1

what are the advantages of having a diagnostic cardiac catheterization through the groin arm or neck?

Accepted Answer

Wrist: The newest technique is to use the radial artery in the wrist. The advantage is that it is an easily compressible artery so that bleeding is easily controlled after the test. Moreover, you can get up and walk immediately (not possible when the groin is used). The neck is not used for elective tests.

Question 2

what are complications of cardiac catheterization?

Accepted Answer

Multiple: Principal complications are stroke, myocardial infarction, death, bleeding, and infection.  The risks of stroke, mi, death, and infection are one in 1000.  The risk of bleeding at the puncture site is approximately 1 in 100.  If an angioplasty or stent is performed, the risks are higher.

Question 3

what kind of complications might happen from a cardiac catheterization?

Accepted Answer

Partial list: Bleeding, infection, irregular heart beat, perforation of the heart, heart attack, dissection of the aorta, cardiac arrest, stroke, renal failure, gangrene, pseudo aneurysm, shock, death.

Question 4

is cardiac catheterization dangerous? im having one next week. my doctor explained the procedure, and it seems like theres a lot that could go wrong. are the odds of dying during this procedure high?

Accepted Answer

Cardiac : Cardiac catheterization can be dangerous since it is an invasive procedure, but under good care with physicians with a lot of experience, the risks can be minimized.  The odds of death from a diagnostic procedure are low.  However, if an intervention is performed, that risk increases significantly.  The most common risks of the procedure are bleeding and bruising at the site of catheter insertion.   More serious risks are stroke, arrhythmias, heart attack, injury to blood vessels requiring emergency bypass surgery, and kidney failure.  The frequency of these complications is probably less than 1:100 or 1:200 procedures.

Question 5

what is a cardiac catheterization procedure?

Accepted Answer

Heart imaging: The doctor inserts a long thin tube through an artery in your groin or wrist. They then inject contrast dye through that tube while x-raying to look at the heart and the vessels that feed the heart. They can also open the vessels with little balloons through the tube if needed.

Question 6

what purpose does cardiac catheterization serve?

Accepted Answer

Look at heart artery: A cardiac catheterization is usually an outpatient procedure wher a small hollow tube is placed under local anesthesia into the artery of the arm or leg and advanced to the heart.  Iodinated contrast can be injected into the arteries and into the chambers of the heart to help diagnose and treat heart artery blockage and valve problems.

Question 7

why can you not eat before cardiac catheterization?

Accepted Answer

Dye can cause nausea: The contrast (iodine dye) used can cause transient nausea, and in the rare event that you need emergency surgery , your stomach must be empty.

Question 8

how risky or dangerous is a cardiac catheterization?

Accepted Answer

1 in 500 chance : There is a 1 in 500 chance of a serious complication, including heart attack, stroke, and death.

Question 9

what are normal results after a cardiac catheterization?

Accepted Answer

Depends: The test is done for various reasons such as to look at the coronary arteries or to evaluate valves. No blockages in the arteries, normal pressures, normal contraction of the heart, and no leakage or blocks in the valves would be a normal test. Well also normal size of the heart chambers, no clots or humors.

Question 10

what symptoms can be expected after a cardiac catheterization?

Accepted Answer

None: When catheterization goes well, there should not be any symptoms.  Some patients get a soreness at the access site which should go away within hourse to days.  Other bruising that shows up 24-48 hours after the procedure.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Groin complications following cardiac catheterization

A member asked:

What are the advantages of having a diagnostic cardiac catheterization through the groin arm or neck?

A member asked:

What are complications of cardiac catheterization?

A member asked:

What kind of complications might happen from a cardiac catheterization?

A member asked:

Is cardiac catheterization dangerous? im having one next week. my doctor explained the procedure, and it seems like theres a lot that could go wrong. are the odds of dying during this procedure high?

A member asked:

What is a cardiac catheterization procedure?

A member asked:

What purpose does cardiac catheterization serve?

A member asked:

Why can you not eat before cardiac catheterization?

A member asked:

How risky or dangerous is a cardiac catheterization?

A member asked:

What are normal results after a cardiac catheterization?

A member asked:

What symptoms can be expected after a cardiac catheterization?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?