Left Heart Catheterization
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
What you need to know about left heart catheterization:
Left heart catheterization is a procedure to look at your heart and its arteries. You may need this procedure if you have chest pain, heart disease, or your heart is not working as it should.
How to prepare for the procedure:
- Your healthcare provider will tell you how to prepare. You may be told not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of the procedure. Arrange to have someone drive you home when you are discharged.
- Tell your provider about all medicines you currently take. Your provider will tell you if you need to stop any medicine for the procedure, and when to stop. Your provider will tell you which medicines to take or not take on the day of the procedure.
- Contrast liquid will be used to show the parts of your heart more clearly in pictures. Tell your provider if you have had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid.
- You may need blood or urine tests before your procedure. Talk to your provider about these or other tests you may need.
What will happen during the procedure:
- You will be given medicine to help you relax. You will receive local anesthesia that will numb the area where the catheter will be placed. You will be awake during the procedure so that your healthcare providers can give you instructions. You will need to let them know if you have any discomfort.
- Your healthcare provider will insert a catheter into an artery in your arm, wrist, or leg. Your provider will use an x-ray to guide the catheter to your heart. Contrast liquid will be used to help heart blood vessels, muscle, or valves show up more clearly in the pictures. You may get a warm feeling or slight nausea right after the liquid is injected. This is normal, and will pass quickly. Your provider may remove a small sample of heart tissue and send it to a lab to be tested. Your provider may also open a narrow or blocked heart valve or artery. A stent (small tube) may be left inside your artery to hold it open.
- The catheter may be left in place to monitor pressure in your heart. When the catheter is removed, pressure will be applied to the site for at least 30 minutes to help decrease the risk of bleeding. A collagen plug or other closure device may be used to close the site. If the site is in your wrist, your provider will place a compression device around your wrist. The site will be covered with a pressure bandage to decrease bleeding.
What to expect after the procedure:
You will be taken to a room to rest until you are fully awake. Healthcare providers will monitor you closely for any problems. Do not get out of bed until your healthcare provider says it is okay. When your provider sees that you are okay, you will be taken to your hospital room.
- You may need to lie flat and keep your arm or leg straight for several hours. Arm or leg movement too soon can cause serious bleeding. If you need to cough, support the catheter site with your hand.
- Extra liquids will be given to help flush the contrast liquid out.
Risks of left heart catheterization:
During the procedure, the catheter may tear an artery and cause bleeding. An air bubble may enter your lung, or your lung may collapse. You may have a heart attack. After the procedure, you may have bleeding or an infection. You may have damage to a heart valve. A fistula (abnormal opening) may form between an artery and vein. You may have irregular heartbeats that cause dizziness or fainting. You may get a blood clot in your leg or arm. These problems may become life-threatening.
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:
- Your catheter site does not stop bleeding even after you apply firm pressure for 10 minutes.
- You have any of the following signs of a heart attack:
- Squeezing, pressure, or pain in your chest
- You may also have any of the following:
- Discomfort or pain in your back, neck, jaw, stomach, or arm
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or vomiting
- Lightheadedness or a sudden cold sweat
- You have any of the following signs of a stroke:
- Numbness or drooping on one side of your face
- Weakness in an arm or leg
- Confusion or difficulty speaking
- Dizziness, a severe headache, or vision loss
- You feel lightheaded, short of breath, or have chest pain.
- You cough up blood.
Seek care immediately if:
- The catheter site is swollen and filled with blood or is bleeding.
- The leg or arm used for your procedure is numb, painful, or changes color.
- The bruise at your catheter site gets bigger or becomes swollen.
- You are dizzy or have a severe headache or vision loss.
- Your arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.
Call your cardiologist or doctor if:
- You have a fever.
- Your catheter site is red, leaks pus, or smells bad.
- You have increasing pain at your catheter site.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Apply firm, steady pressure if bleeding continues:
A small amount of bleeding from the catheter site is possible. Apply pressure with a clean gauze or towel for 5 to 10 minutes. Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if bleeding becomes heavy or does not stop.
Care for the catheter site:
Most bandages can be removed the day after your procedure. Gently clean the catheter site with soap and water. Do not rub the site. Do not take a bath, swim, or get in a hot tub until your healthcare provider says these are okay. If you need to cough, support the catheter site with your hand.
Activity:
Rest for 1 or 2 days after your procedure. Slowly start to do more each day. Take walks around your house. Make a plan for rest during the day. Your provider will tell you when you can drive, go back to work, or do other activities. The following activity limits are based on the catheter insertion site:
- Wrist: Follow these guidelines for 1 week, or as directed.
- Do not lift anything heavier than 2 pounds.
- Do not push or pull with the arm used for the procedure.
- Avoid activities that use your arm or wrist, such as tennis, bowling, and golf.
- Groin: Follow these guidelines for as long as shown below, or as directed.
- Do not have sex for 2 days.
- Do not lift anything heavier than 5 pounds for 1 week.
- Limit stair climbing for 1 week.
- Avoid intense exercise for 2 to 4 weeks.
Drink liquids as directed:
Drink extra liquids if contrast liquid was used during your procedure. Liquid will help flush the contrast out of your body. Ask your healthcare provider how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you. Do not drink alcohol for at least 24 hours after your procedure.
Go to cardiac rehabilitation (rehab), if directed:
Your cardiologist may recommend that you attend cardiac rehab. This is a program run by specialists who will help you safely strengthen your heart and reduce the risk for more heart disease. The plan includes exercise, relaxation, stress management, and heart-healthy nutrition. Healthcare providers will also check to make sure any medicines you are taking are working.
If you have a stent:
- Carry your stent card with you at all times.
- Let all healthcare providers know that you have a stent.
- If you need an MRI, wait at least 6 to 8 weeks after stent placement, or as directed.
Follow up with your cardiologist or doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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