Cardiac catheterization

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To view blood flow through your heart, your doctor may inject a special dye into your arteries (intravenously).

This is known as an angiogram. The dye is injected into the arteries of the heart through a long, thin, flexible tube (catheter) that is threaded through an artery, usually in the leg, to the arteries in the heart. This procedure is called cardiac catheterization. The dye outlines narrow spots and blockages on the X-ray images. If you have a blockage that requires treatment, a balloon can be pushed through the catheter and inflated to improve the blood flow in your heart. A stent may then be used to keep the dilated artery open.

Risks & Benefits

  • Allergic reactions to intravenous dye containing Iodine
  • Kidney fucntion damage
  • Radiation exposure
  • Injuries to arteries used for access

Comments 1

  1. Post
    Author

    Having major bowel movement issues since my heart catherization 2 weeks ago. I not sure if there is cause for concern. My doctors don’t seem to be concerned. This is causing me a lot of discomfort and sleepless nights. I had a heart attack and needed 4 stents in one completely blocked artery. They used a balloon pump. I had a lot of blood loss in the groin area. My pcp felt this could have caused my issue. I have used several over the counter products trying to resolve the issue. Nothing seems to be working that well-to get me back to normal. Today I went to the emergency room. They sent me home magnesium citrate and a fleet enema. So far no relief, haven’t used the enema at this point. I have begun taking several new medicine.

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