Cardiology Related Questions
For a heart catheterization procedure, the average time is 1-2 hours from the time you are taken into the procedure room to the time you leave. For a procedure that involves an irregular heartbeat, the average time in the room is 2-4 hours.
Your physician will make sure you have what you need based on your procedure. The need for an anesthesiologist varies based on your individual circumstance. Should you have a need, we will have an anesthesiologist speak with you and answer any questions you may have.
An angiogram is an X-Ray of an artery using contrast (dye). A heart catheterization is an angiogram of the arteries and chambers of the heart.
Your Cardiologist will make a decision based on your procedure. Your physician may discharge you following your procedure or request that you stay overnight.
General Questions
Your Cardiologist will have discussed this with you prior to the procedure. Depending on the severity of the blockage, you will either be treated medically, you will have the blockage fixed in the catheterization lab, or your doctor may suggest surgery.
Your physician will make a decision based on whether or not you had anesthesia.
You may feel some pain with the initial injection of the medicine to numb the skin. Most patients do not feel pain after that.
Prior to your procedure you will receive a call from our nursing team. At this point they will give you further instructions and ask you questions about your health and medications.