Cardiac Catheterization

Whether you come in with a cardiac emergency requiring heart cath procedure or for a scheduled cardiac procedure, you can count of the quality, expertise and care with the Palm Beach Health Network's cardiology teams. Our interventional cardiologists combine their clinical expertise along with advanced technology to determine whether your heart condition can be treated through a minimally invasive treatment in our of our state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization labs.

What Is Cardiac Catheterization?

Cardiac catheterization is a minimally invasive procedure for treating or diagnosing a range of heart conditions. Performed by a board certified interventional cardiologists in one of our cardiac catheterization labs, a thin tube is inserted into your heart through a vein to take pictures of the heart and major blood vessels, and to place stents or perform angioplasties. These procedures are usually simple, safe and don't require general anesthesia - in many cases you won't even need to stay overnight in the hospital. 

What Are the Reasons for a Cardiac Catheterization?

Your cardiologist may decide to perform a cardiac catheterization if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Chest pain (angina)
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Fatigue

How Do You Prepare for a Cardiac Catheterization?

Your doctor may order blood and urine tests, chest x-rays or an electrocardiogram (EKG). Before the day of the procedure you'll need to:

• Arrange for a ride to and from the hospital
• Not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before
• Provide a list of all medications you are currently taking
• Stop taking or change the doses of some medications, as decided by your doctor

During a Cardiac Catheterization Procedure

First you'll receive IV fluids and medications, and an EKG will monitor your heart's activity. You'll have local anesthesia at the insertion site. You may have the option of taking a mild sedative to help you relax during the procedure, but you'll need to stay awake so the physician can ask you to do simple things like cough, breath out or hold your breath.

After a Cardiac Catheterization Procedure

After cardiac catheterization, you should be able to return home the same day. If the catheter was in your arm, or radially, you'll likely be able to get up shortly afterwards. If the catheter was inserted in your groin area, you may need to lie still in bed and flat on your back for a little while longer. A pressure dressing may be placed over the insertion site to prevent bleeding. 

When You Return Home

Follow the discharge instructions the doctor gives you  

• Do not drive until your doctor says it is OK
• Do not lift heavy objects or engage in strenuous exercise
• Change the dressing around the incision area as instructed
• Follow your doctor's directions regarding which medication you can take