A diagnostic procedure called cardiac catheterization may be used to evaluate certain patients for heart defects, damage or disease. Despite the beneficial aspects of this procedure, cardiac catheterization may not be appropriate for all patients. A doctor should discuss cardiac catheterization contraindications with all patients prior to testing.
Blood Coagulation or Kidney Problems
Patients who have blood coagulation or kidney problems should not undergo cardiac catheterization, MedIndia reports. This procedure increases a patient's risk of developing blood clots, a complication that can result in life-threatening medical problems. Additionally, the dye used during this procedure to aid in visualization of the heart can cause kidney damage. These complications are more likely to occur in patients with preexisting blood coagulation and kidney problems.
Uncontrolled High Blood Pressure or Arrhythmia
Cardiac catheterization is contraindicated for patients with uncontrolled hypertension, or high blood pressure, or heart rate irregularities, called arrhythmia, according to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. This procedure can exacerbate heart and blood pressure issues in affected patients, which can lead to severe medical complications.
Fever or Systemic Infection
The presence of a fever or bodily infection precludes cardiac catheterization evaluation, MedIndia explains. Symptoms of infection can include chills, upset stomach, body pain, headache or severe fatigue. Patients with a fever or infection are more likely to experience severe infection complications after undergoing cardiac catheterization.
Preexisting Cardiovascular Issues
Cardiac catheterization should not be used to evaluate patients who have certain types of preexisting cardiovascular issues, such as heart failure, aortic aneurysm, peripheral vascular disease or stroke, reports Nicole L. Hatcher, PA-C, MPAS, in a January 2010 article published in the "Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants." Patients who have recently undergone heart valve replacement or pacemaker insertion surgery should also not receive cardiac catheterization.
References
- The Merck Manual Online Medical Library: Cardiac Catheterization - Contraindications
- "Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants;" When the Patient Asks - What is a Heart Catheterization?; Nichole L. Hatcher, PA-C, MPAS; January 2010
- MedIndia: Cardiac Catheterization / Coronary Angiogram
