Cardiac Catheterization

In addition to advanced, non-invasive cardiac diagnosis, Hackensack Meridian Health offers minimally invasive cardiac catheterization procedures to examine the blood vessels in and around the heart and check heart function. Performed in a cardiac catheterization lab, these procedures can show problems with the heart muscle, arteries or valves.

Hackensack Meridian Health’s team of experienced interventional cardiologists, along with skilled registered nurses and cardiovascular technologists, can diagnose and stop the progression of heart disease at the earliest stages — and often avoid the need for surgery. Some of the heart conditions we can diagnose include:

• Congenital heart disease – Defects in one or more heart structures that are present at birth
• Congestive heart failure – A condition where the heart muscle has become too weak to pump efficiently
• Coronary artery disease – When the arteries are clogged by fatty materials in the blood stream
• Valvular heart disease – Malfunction of one or more of the heart valves that can affect blood flow within the heart

Cardiac catheterization is just one of many services we offer as part of our integrated, comprehensive cardiovascular care. From expert diagnosis and condition management to innovative treatment and recovery, Hackensack Meridian Health gives families peace of mind knowing we’re here for all their cardiovascular needs, close to home.

Accredited Chest Pain Centers
Hackensack Meridian Health’s Chest Pain Centers are accredited by the Society of Chest Pain Centers. This assures patients we’re experienced in recognizing heart attacks in the earliest stages and quickly performing lifesaving procedures to minimize damage to the heart and blood vessels.

Who Needs Cardiac Catheterization?
Patients may be referred to an interventional cardiologist for cardiac catheterization if they experience some or all of the following symptoms:

• Chest pain (angina)
• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Extreme fatigue

What to Expect During Cardiac Catheterization

Cardiac catheterization is performed while a patient is awake. Using fluoroscopy, a moving X-ray, the interventional cardiologist guides a tiny, hollow tube called a catheter inserted through a small puncture in the wrist or upper leg into the heart.

There is no pain during the procedure. The physician numbs the area where the catheter is inserted, and patients receive medicine to relax.

Once the catheter is in position, the interventional cardiologist can do a variety of tests and in some instances, can treat the condition at the same time. Cardiac catheterization procedures include:

• Biopsy – Take blood or tissue samples from inside the heart
• Coronary angiography – Use a contrast dye to show blood flow through the heart and find blockages
• Fractional flow reserve – Measure the pressure and blood flow inside each heart chamber
• Intravascular ultrasound (or IVUS) – View inside blood vessels with ultrasound, which uses sound waves

During cardiac catheterization, the patient may be asked to take a deep breath, cough or move positions. The procedure usually takes about an hour, and patients rest in the recovery room for a few hours afterward. Most go home the same day, but that may depend on the condition and other factors. Patients can usually return to normal activities within a few days.

If the interventional cardiologist performs angioplasty or another treatment during the procedure, an overnight hospital stay may be required. The care team will provide more details about what to expect before, during and after the procedure.