Question 1

i am having frequent squeezing sensations in left side of chest, dizziness (to the point of nearly passing out), rapid heart rate, and minor cough. a cardiac catheterization revealed no abnormalities last year. is it possible i have a-fib or any other abn

Accepted Answer

Yes: Need follow-up with primary md or cardiology for 24 hour holter test.

Question 2

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 3

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.

Question 4

what should a patient do if he or she bleeds after a cardiac catheterization?

Accepted Answer

Direct pressure & ER: Put lots of hard direct pressure over the bleeding point and go to the e r if outside the hospital asap.

Question 5

how does someone best recover after a cardiac catheterization?

Accepted Answer

Not a big problem: Unless there is a complication, your leg where the catheter was inserted might be sore for a few days. Otherwise, there should not be a problem. A bruise in the area frequently occurs, but should not cause a problem.

Question 6

when can someone return to work after a cardiac catheterization?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Depends on what was done (ie just pictures or how many stents), was it done for a heart attack or electively, how was it done (groin or wrist), were there any complications, what type of work do you do, etc. Having said that, for routine procedures, i usually let patients with sedentary jobs return to work in 24-48 h or for heavy labor 48-72 hours.

Question 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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.

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Doctor answers about:

Side effects after a cardiac catheterization

A member asked:

I am having frequent squeezing sensations in left side of chest, dizziness (to the point of nearly passing out), rapid heart rate, and minor cough. a cardiac catheterization revealed no abnormalities last year. is it possible i have a-fib or any other abn

A member asked:

What are normal results after a cardiac catheterization?

A member asked:

What symptoms can be expected after a cardiac catheterization?

A member asked:

What should a patient do if he or she bleeds after a cardiac catheterization?

A member asked:

How does someone best recover after a cardiac catheterization?

A member asked:

When can someone return to work after a cardiac catheterization?

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?

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