Guide to Cardiac Catheterization
Guide to Cardiac Catheterization
Cardiac catheterisation is a medical involvement to check heart conditions. This minimally invasive procedure diagnoses and treats cardiovascular problems and a few specific heart conditions. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a set of disorders of the heart and blood vessels which include coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral arterial disease, rheumatic heart disease, congenital heart disease, deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. According to WHO (World Health Organization), in 2016, India reported 63% of NCD- related deaths. Among those, about 27% were due to DVDs. Cardiovascular deaths are also responsible for 45% of deaths among those aged 40 to 69.
Why is Cardiac catheterization important?
This is to diagnose heart diseases like
- Coronary artery disease
- Congenital heart disease
- Heart failure
- Heart valve disease
- Microvascular heart disease
The cardiac catheterization process needs to insert a thin tube called a sheath into the heart through an artery in the groin or arm. The medical team inserts an even smaller tube called a catheter into the blood vessel through the sheath. The projector shows the catheter's position as it passes through the major blood vessels to reach the heart. Subsequently, a smaller tube referred to as a catheter is guided through the sheath in the blood vessel with accuracy. Video is displayed on a monitor to visually demonstrate the movement of the catheter as it traverses through the major blood vessels until it finally reaches the heart. This procedure helps to identify any blockages in the coronary arteries, coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, valve problems and congenital heart defects.
Types of cardiac catheterization procedures:
- Right Heart Catheterization (RHC) - RHC measures blood pressure and oxygen levels.
- Left Heart Catheterization (LHC)- LHC helps to determine how the coronary arteries are blocked.
People who are suffering from-
- Chest pain (angina)
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Extreme tiredness
