How uncomfortable is a heart catheterization?
You might feel some pressure but shouldn’t feel pain. If you feel any pain, tell your health care providers. When the catheter is in place, they’ll dim the lights and insert a small amount of dye (also called contrast material) through the catheters into your arteries and heart chambers.
How bad does a heart cath hurt?
During cardiac catheterization: What to expect You may feel some pressure when your doctor puts the catheter in, and the insertion area might be sore afterward. Many people have bruising as well.
Is there pain during cardiac catheterization?
You may notice a bruise where the catheter was inserted, and the area may be sore for about a week. You should let your doctor know immediately if you have the following problems after your procedure: Unusual pain, swelling, or redness at the catheter insertion site.
How long does a heart catheterization take?
The cardiac catheterization procedure itself generally takes 30 minutes, but the preparation and recovery time add several hours to your appointment time (five to nine hours or longer).
Are you asleep during a cardiac catheterization?
You’ll feel relaxed during the procedure, but you’ll be awake and able to follow instructions. A nurse will also clean and shave the area where the catheter will be inserted (usually the wrist, groin or neck) and use a local anesthetic to numb the area.
How do you feel after a heart catheterization?
You can expect to feel tired and weak the day after the procedure. Take walks around your house and plan to rest during the day. Do not strain during bowel movements for the first 3 to 4 days after the procedure to prevent bleeding from the catheter insertion site.
How long should I rest after a cardiac catheterization?
A femoral artery catheter insertion site is usually used for these procedures, and postprocedure protocols call for prolonged bed rest with restricted patient movement. Time-in-bed standards vary widely, from 3 to 12 hours after cardiac catheterization to more than 24 hours of bed rest after angioplasty.
How serious is a heart catheterization?
As with most procedures done on your heart and blood vessels, cardiac catheterization has some risks. Major complications are rare, though. Risks of cardiac catheterization are: Damage to the artery, heart or the area where the catheter was inserted If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, tell your doctor before having the procedure.
What are the alternatives for cardiac catheterization?
The alternatives to cardiac catheterization can give general information about problems in your heart, but they do not give the in-depth information that a cardiac catheterization provides. The simplest alternative tests include: Echocardiogram. Exercise stress test.