Insight that makes a difference.

What Is Cardiac Catheterization?
Cardiac catheterization is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat a variety of heart conditions—without the need for open-heart surgery. At CASL Health, our providers will run tests to help decide if you need a catheterization. If so, they will work with a physician who will use this advanced imaging method to evaluate how well your heart is working and to uncover concerns like blockages, valve issues, or abnormal rhythms.

How It Works
During the procedure, a thin, flexible tube (called a catheter) is gently guided through a blood vessel in your wrist or groin and into your heart. A special dye is injected to help capture real-time X-ray images and assess your heart’s structure, blood flow, and function. If needed, treatments like angioplasty or stent placement can often be done during the same procedure.

Most heart catheters take around 30 minutes, and you’ll remain awake but comfortable throughout. You’ll typically be able to go home the same day with guidance on rest and recovery.

Why It’s Done
A cardiac catheterization may be recommended if you’re experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeats, or if previous tests raised concerns. It can help:

• Identify blockages in your coronary arteries
• Measure pressures inside your heart
• Evaluate how well your heart valves and chambers are working
• Assist in planning further treatment or procedures

What to Expect Afterward
After the procedure, you’ll be monitored for a few hours. Most people recover quickly with just a day or two of reduced activity. Our CASL Health team will provide detailed aftercare instructions and answer any questions you have—so you leave feeling confident and informed.