| Before we talk about treatment, let's start with a discussion about the human body and about your medical condition.
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Your doctor has recommended that you undergo a cardiac catheterization. But what does that actually mean? |
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The heart is located in the center of the chest. It's job is to keep blood continually circulating throughout the body. |
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The blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart are called arteries. |
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The largest and most important of these is the aorta. |
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The vessels that bring blood back into the heart are called veins. |
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Sometimes, these blood vessels can grow narrower or become blocked in such a way that normal blood flow is restricted.
In simple terms, a cardiac catheterization is a diagnostic procedure used when your doctor believes that blood is not flowing normally in and or around your heart. |
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During a cardiac catheterization, a heart specialist will insert a thin tube into an artery in the arm or leg... |
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... and gently guide it towards the problem area in the heart. |
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Once the tube is in place, a special dye is injected and a series of x-rays are taken. |
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These x-rays allow your doctor to see exactly how blood is flowing in your heart. |
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