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Heart Catheterization Procedure



 Submitted by Nic on October 4, 2011
The heart is the main pumping organ of the human body that is used to transport blood around the body. Blood circulation is one of the most basic functions of the human body. The heart is susceptible to a number of different medical conditions. Conventional imaging and monitoring can give some clues about the health of the heart. However, in many cases, more advanced imaging is needed to understand how the heart is functioning. This would lead us to the question what is a heart catheterization procedure?

The heart catheterization procedure is one such advanced imaging procedure used to examine the heart. The heart has four chambers and several valves that perform various functions to enable the pumping of blood to take place. A detailed evaluation of all these functions can be done using a heart catheterization procedure. The heart catheterization procedure involves the insertion of a catheter into the heart. This takes place by inserting a catheter in through the thigh area. This catheter is then passed up through the body till it reaches the heart. Here, it is used to inject a contrast material which shows up well in imaging scans. By following the flow of the contrast material, doctors can figure out the state of the heart and identify what condition, if any, is affecting the individual.

Any medical procedure which involves the heart does come with a fair amount of risk and the heart catheterization procedure is no different. The heart catheterization procedure risks include the risk of triggering a heart attack. Patients who suffer from clogged blood vessels may suffer from this problem. The catheterization procedure may dislodge some material that is lodged in one of the blood vessels. This could have catastrophic consequences for the patient as a heart attack could easily claim the life of the patient. The heart catheterization procedure must therefore be performed in a hospital environment itself. This ensures that there is emergency medical equipment and staff available, should any of the heart catheterization procedure risks manifest themselves.

The heart catheterization procedure recovery period lasts for a couple of days. If there is no immediate reaction to the procedure, then the patient is considered to be fairly safe. Monitoring lasts for about 48 hours after which the patient can return home. The catheter entry wound may need to be re-dressed a few times so that it heals without infections and complications. Following the heart catheterization procedure, the doctor will chart the next course of action depending on the results of the procedure.
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