What is a cardiac catheterization?

Cath: Cardiac catheterization is a medical procedure used to diagnose and treat some heart conditions. A long, thin, flexible tube called a catheter is put into a blood vessel in the arm, groin (upper thigh), or neck and guided to the heart. Through the catheter, diagnostic tests e.g. Pressure measurements and imaging of coronary arteries, as well as treatments can be done on the heart.

Diagnose ; treat: A cardiac catheterization is test done in an special x-ray suite (catheterization laboratory) where long, thin, flexible tubes are directed to the heart through veins and/or arteries to diagnose and treat various forms of heart disease. In the best hands, this is an important tool with valuable results and low risks.