Procedures

What to Expect During Heart Catheterization

A step-by-step guide to help you prepare for and understand your cardiac catheterization procedure.

What is Cardiac Catheterization?

Cardiac catheterization (also called heart cath or coronary angiogram) is a procedure that allows your doctor to see inside your heart's blood vessels. A thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted through a blood vessel in your wrist or groin and guided to your heart.

This procedure helps diagnose and sometimes treat heart conditions by allowing Dr. Bleszynski to see if your coronary arteries are blocked, how well your heart is pumping, and whether your heart valves are working properly.

Before Your Procedure

Days Before

Provide a complete list of all medications, vitamins, and supplements you take
Inform us of any allergies, especially to iodine, contrast dye, or shellfish
You may need to stop certain medications (blood thinners, diabetes medications)
Have blood tests done as ordered

The Night Before

Do not eat or drink anything after midnight (unless otherwise instructed)
You may take essential medications with a small sip of water
Arrange for someone to drive you home — you cannot drive yourself

What to Bring

• Photo ID and insurance card
• List of current medications
• Comfortable, loose clothing
• Someone to drive you home

During the Procedure

Preparation

You'll change into a hospital gown. An IV line will be placed for fluids and medications. Monitoring equipment will track your heart rhythm, blood pressure, and oxygen levels.

Sedation

You'll receive medication to help you relax. You'll be awake but drowsy. The insertion site (wrist or groin) will be cleaned and numbed with local anesthesia.

Catheter Insertion

A small puncture is made at the insertion site. The catheter is gently threaded through your blood vessels to your heart. You shouldn't feel pain, but may feel some pressure.

Imaging

Contrast dye is injected through the catheter. You may feel a warm, flushing sensation that lasts a few seconds. X-ray images capture pictures of your arteries.

Evaluation

Dr. Bleszynski reviews the images in real-time. If significant blockages are found, treatment (stenting) may be performed during the same procedure.

Completion

The catheter is removed. The puncture site is closed with pressure, a closure device, or stitches. The procedure typically takes 30-60 minutes.

After the Procedure

In the Hospital

• You'll rest for 2-6 hours while the insertion site heals
• Nurses will check the site and monitor your vital signs
• If wrist access was used, you may sit up sooner
• If groin access was used, you'll need to lie flat longer
• Drink plenty of fluids to flush out the contrast dye

Going Home

• Most patients go home the same day
• Have someone drive you — no driving for 24 hours
• You'll receive instructions about the puncture site care
• Avoid heavy lifting for several days
• Resume normal activities gradually

When to Call Your Doctor

⚠️ Bleeding that won't stop with pressure
⚠️ Increasing swelling or bruising at the site
⚠️ Numbness or coldness in the arm or leg
⚠️ Fever or signs of infection
⚠️ Chest pain or shortness of breath
⚠️ Severe pain at the insertion site

Quick Facts

Procedure Time: 30-60 minutes
Sedation: Local + light sedation
Hospital Stay: Same-day discharge
Recovery: 1-2 days

Questions?

Our team is here to help you prepare and answer any questions about your procedure.