Cardiac catheterization is a procedure used to check the heart for problems, including blocked arteries and valve abnormalities. According to the Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals, the cardiologist inserts a long, thin catheter into an artery in the arm, neck or groin, threads it through to the heart, and then injects a contrast dye into the arteries to view their blood flow. This procedure is used for diagnostic purposes as well as treatment, such as the placement of stents. Some side effects are associated with cardiac catheterization, though the benefits generally outweigh the risks.
Bruising, Bleeding or Pain
Initially, the cardiologist makes a small incision at the point of entry in order to insert the catheter into a blood vessel. Following the procedure, this incision site can be painful. After the catheter is removed, the cardiologist applies pressure to the site until a blood clot forms to seal it off. This pressure can cause the formation of a large bruise in the area, notes MayoClinic.com. Bleeding from the incision is also possible.
Infection
Cardiac catheterization is a surgical procedure, and although the incision site is small, it can still be a portal for infection, according to MayoClinic.com. It is important to keep the incision site clean afterward the procedure and follow all post-operative care instructions. Any sign of excessive redness, pain, swelling or pus should be immediately reported to a cardiologist.
Blood Vessel Damage
Damage to the blood vessels from the catheter can occur. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, this rare side effect occurs when the tip of the catheter accidentally scrapes or pokes a hole in a blood vessel as it is threaded through. This injury is usually detected and repaired during the procedure.
Allergic Reaction to the Dye
It is possible to have an allergic reaction to the contrast dye used to view the arteries, notes CardioSmart. Serious systemic reactions can occur, causing hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the mouth and tongue or heart rate abnormalities. This is a life-threatening situation that requires immediate medical attention. Prior to the procedure, the cardiologist may dispense an antihistamine medication to prevent this.
Kidney Damage
The contrast dye used during cardiac catheterization is cleared by kidneys, and so can cause a serious complication called contrast-induced nephropathy, notes a 2004 article in the "Journal of the American College of Cardiology." This complication usually affects older and health-compromised patients, but can occur in patients with healthy, normal kidney function, sometimes resulting in death. The cardiologist may order extra fluids after the procedure to prevent this.
References
- Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals: Cardiac Catheterization
- MayoClinic.com: Cardiac Catheterization
- National Heart Lung Blood Institute: Risks and Complications of Cardiac Catheterization
- CardioSmart: Cardiac Catheterization
- Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Contrast-Induced Nephropathy in Patients Undergoing Primary Angioplasty for Acute Myocardial Infarction
