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Cardiac Catheterization

Test Overview

Cardiac catheterization is a test to check your heart. This test uses a thin, flexible tube called a catheter that is inserted into the heart through blood vessels.

A cardiac catheterization can check blood flow in the coronary arteries. It also checks the function of different parts of the heart, such as the heart chambers, the heart valves, and the wall of the heart. In children, this test is used to check for heart problems that have been present since birth (congenital heart defect, Opens dialog).

This test can include a coronary angiogram, which checks blood flow in the coronary arteries, Opens dialog. An angiogram can show if you have narrowed or blocked arteries from coronary artery disease, Opens dialog.

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Why It Is Done

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

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All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

 

PeaceHealth endeavors to provide comprehensive health care information, however some topics in this database describe services and procedures not offered by our providers or within our facilities because they do not comply with, nor are they condoned by, the ethics policies of our organization.