Cardiac cath
Cardiac Catheterization
Cardiac catheterization (pronounced: kahr-DEE-ak kath-uh-tur-uh-ZAY-shun), often referred to as cardiac cath, is a medical procedure used to diagnose and treat certain cardiovascular conditions.
Etymology
The term "cardiac" is derived from the Greek word "kardia," meaning heart. "Catheterization" comes from the Greek "katheter" which means "to send down."
Procedure
During cardiac catheterization, a long thin tube called a catheter is inserted in an artery or vein in your groin, neck or arm and threaded through your blood vessels to your heart. This procedure allows doctors to perform diagnostic tests and treatments on the coronary arteries, heart valves, and heart muscle.
Related Terms
- Coronary arteries: The blood vessels that supply oxygen and blood to the heart.
- Heart valves: These are door-like structures in the heart that help control blood flow.
- Catheter: A thin, flexible tube that can be inserted into the body to treat diseases or perform a surgical procedure.
Risks
Like any medical procedure, cardiac catheterization carries some risk. These may include infection, bleeding, heart attack, stroke, or damage to the artery where the catheter was inserted.
Uses
Cardiac catheterization is used to diagnose and treat a variety of heart conditions. These include coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, and congenital heart defects.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cardiac cath
- Wikipedia's article - Cardiac cath
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