Cardiac Catheterization

Coronary Angiography, Heart Catheterization

Results

Cardiac catheterization is a test to check your heart and coronary arteries.

Test results will be reviewed by a cardiologist and will be available after the procedure. Your doctor will be able to talk to you about some of the results immediately after the test.

Cardiac catheterization and coronary angiogram

Normal:	No significant narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries.
	The heart's pumping action (ejection fraction) and pressures inside the heart chambers and blood vessels are normal.
	The heart valves are working normally.
	No abnormal growths, structures, or leaks are seen in the heart.
Abnormal:	One or more coronary arteries, or a branch, is narrowed or completely blocked. Narrowing of 70% or more is considered significant.
	The heart does not pump blood normally.
	Areas of heart muscle are not contracting normally (cardiomyopathy).
	Pressures in the chambers of the heart are abnormal.
	Valves in the heart leak or are narrowed when contrast material is injected into the heart chambers.
	A congenital heart defect is present.
	Leaks between heart chambers are present.
	One or more chambers in the heart are enlarged.
	The large blood vessel leaving the heart is enlarged (aortic aneurysm).

Many conditions can affect the results of a cardiac catheterization. Your doctor will discuss any significant abnormal results with you in relation to your symptoms and medical history.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS Robin Parks, MS	Last Updated: September 13, 2007
Medical Review:	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology
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