How dangerous are heart caths - Heart Disorders Message Board

saggybottomgirl · 08-06-2005, 04:30 AM

My cardiologist says I need a heart cath because I had an "abnormal stress test." A good friend of mine said what exactly does that mean? I started thinking about it and now I am wondering myself...what was abnormal about it? I have some palpitations...I would love to have peace of mind so are these heart caths dangerous...what do I need to know? My friend now has me confused, she said the procedure is serious and I should be asking a second opinion because he didn't give me specifics...he did say he didn't think it was anything serious but that he wanted to be sure...and that women sometime have false positives? What the heck does that mean? Well I am rambling now...I just need some help here.....

Timber · 08-06-2005, 06:53 AM

Well, heart catheterization procedures are very safe and very routine, so don't worry too much about that. But you should definitely find out more specifics about what exactly was abnormal about your stress test, and why he thinks you need a cath.

Caroliz · 08-06-2005, 08:47 AM

AND....ask who is going to do this Cath and how many times he has done them AND, discuss before hand if he sees something will be just go ahead and stent an area without you knowing it and or discussing it before hand.

I have had three Caths with 3 different doctors. The last Cath doc by far was the best and most professional to me and my hubby who was waiting outside the cath Lab. He also was the oldest of the others and has done these things in his sleep and will not do anything he thinks does not need attention now. I have had 2 unnecessary stents.(second cath) ..

Ask a lot of questions. Don't let any doctor intimidate you.

Good Luck.

started04 · 08-06-2005, 08:54 AM

Abnormal stress test almost always indicates a coronary blockage of an artery.

The test is invasive and as such does carry some risk, and usually is the last procedure to determine exact area of blockage by injecting a colored substance into the blood stream and the placement of a stent if necessary and possible (complete blockage may require a bypass). Also, internal heart pressures can be measured.

Prior to the procedure you will be given a shot to deaden the area of the groan or arm in prep for the penetration of a probe to explore the coronary arteries. You will also be given a drug through an IV to keep you calm and cooperative. You will be in a hospital setting and relased after a day or two.

Cher2005 · 08-06-2005, 09:59 AM

A cath is a painless procedure. They always scared me, but eventually I needed one and it wasn't bad at all. I think it is very safe too, if done by a good cardiologist.
Mine showed blockages and the bypass surgery was done two days later after discussion with my doctor.
I also had a cath on my carotid arteries and this too was fine. I needed to be wide awake for this procedure because you can't swallow when they take the pictures, but it was painless also and did show where the blockages were and the extent.
I think that I fell asleep during the heart cath as thry give you sedatives. I don't remember much about it at all.