Everything You Need To Know About Cardiac Catheterization: A Complete Guide

Cardiology25 November, 2024

4 min read

Cardiac catheterization is an important heart procedure that helps doctors diagnose and treat heart problems. However, as healthcare costs rise in many countries, more and more people are choosing to travel abroad for this test.

In this blog, we’ll explain what cardiac catheterization is, why some people go abroad for it, and what you can expect during the procedure. Let’s dive in!

What is cardiac catheterization?

Cardiac catheterization, or simply cardiac cath (heart cath) is a test that allows doctors to see how well your heart is working. They do this by inserting a small, flexible tube called a catheter into a blood vessel, usually in your arm, groin, or neck. From there, they guide the catheter to your heart, where they can:

Look for any blockages in the heart’s arteries
Check how well your heart is pumping blood
Take a closer look at heart valves and other issues
Treat problems like blocked arteries or narrow blood vessels

It’s an important procedure that helps doctors figure out what’s going on with your heart and decide the best way to treat it.

Why do people need cardiac catheterization?

So, why would a doctor suggest this procedure? People usually get it if they have symptoms that could mean there is a heart problem. For example:

Show symptoms that suggest heart disease, like chest pain, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue.
Have been diagnosed with conditions like coronary artery disease (blocked arteries) or valvular heart disease (issues with heart valves).
Need to be evaluated before heart surgery, such as a heart transplant or coronary artery bypass surgery.

In the United States, over 1 million people get this procedure every year, showing just how common and important it is.

However, not everyone is suited for this procedure. It may not be recommended for:

People who have severe allergies to the contrast dye used during the test, as it can cause reactions.
Individuals with certain kidney problems, as the dye can sometimes worsen kidney function.
Patients who are too unstable or have other serious health issues that make undergoing an invasive procedure too risky.

Cardiac catheterization abroad

Many people choose to have cardiac catheterization abroad because it can be much more affordable and still offer excellent care. Countries like India, Mexico, and Thailand are popular choices for medical tourism.

These countries provide high-quality healthcare services at a fraction of the cost you might pay in the United States or the UK. For example, in the US, the cost of cardiac catheterization can be between $10,000 and $20,000, while in places like India, Turkey, and Thailand, it can cost just $3,000 to $5,000.

Apart from the savings, medical tourists can benefit from receiving care at hospitals that use advanced technology and have highly trained specialists. India has over 5,500 cardiologists, and many hospitals in countries like Thailand and India meet strict international standards.

Some of these hospitals are even accredited by global health organizations, ensuring high-quality care. Additionally, certain heart treatments, like Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) or MitraClip procedures, may be more widely available in these countries than in others.

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What to expect during cardiac catheterization abroad?

If you’re planning to get cardiac catheterization, here’s what you can expect before, during, and after the procedure.

Before the procedure

Before anything happens, your doctor will ask you questions about your health, your medical history, and the medications you're on. Make sure you let them know about any conditions you have or if you’re allergic to anything.

You might need to have some tests done before the procedure, like blood tests or a chest X-ray, just to make sure you’re ready. Also, your doctor may ask you to stop eating or drinking for a few hours before the test (usually overnight).

What happens during the procedure?

Here’s what happens during a cardiac catheterization:

First, you lie down on a table, and the doctor cleans and numbs the area where the catheter will be inserted.
The doctor makes a small cut and puts a needle into a blood vessel.
A thin tube, called a catheter, is carefully guided through your blood vessels to your heart.
The doctor injects a special dye into the catheter, which highlights your blood vessels and heart on an X-ray, making them easier to see.
The doctor takes X-ray images of your heart to check for blockages or problems.
If the doctor sees any blockages or narrow arteries, they might fix it right there. This could involve angioplasty (where a balloon is used to open the artery) or stent placement (putting a small tube to keep the artery open).

On average, the entire process lasts between 30 minutes and 2 hours.

After the procedure

After a cardiac catheterization, you'll be watched closely for a few hours to make sure you're okay. Here’s what to expect:

You’ll rest in a recovery area until you’re stable.
The doctor or nurse will make sure the area where the catheter was inserted stays clean and dry.
They will also check for any signs of problems, like excessive bleeding or swelling at the insertion site.

Most people can go home the same day, but full recovery might take a few days. During this time, it’s important to follow your doctor’s advice on how much activity you can do and when to take your medications.

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What are the risks of cardiac catheterization?

Cardiac catheterization is generally safe, but there are some risks. These can include:

Bleeding or bruising at the insertion site
Infection at the site
Allergic reactions to the dye or medications
Rare damage to blood vessels
Very rare risks, like heart attack or stroke

Bottom line

In a nutshell, cardiac catheterization is a safe and reliable procedure for diagnosing and treating heart issues. While the idea of having a tube placed inside your body may feel overwhelming, it’s a routine procedure that provides doctors with vital information about your heart. It’s all about making sure that your heart is working optimally.

If you’re feeling uncertain, talk to your doctor. They’ll explain the process, answer your questions, and help you feel confident and comfortable every step of the way.