Cost of cardiac catheterization by state

What is a cardiac catheterization done for?

Cardiac catheterization is used to evaluate, diagnose and treat common issues with the heart and blood vessels. In this procedure, the thin and flexible catheter is guided through the blood vessel in the groin, arm, or neck toward the heart.

Your doctor may recommend a cardiac catheterization to diagnose any of the following issues:

●  Coronary artery disease

●  Heart failure

●  Heart valve disease

●  Microvascular heart disease

●  Congenital heart disease

Cardiac catheterization can also be used to perform different procedures, including:

●  Stent placement

●  Angioplasty

●  Repair and replacement of heart valves

●  Repairing congenital heart defects and holes in the heart tissue

●  A biopsy to remove a small amount of heart tissue for examination

If you require cardiac catheterization for any reason, explore insurance plans to reduce your financial stress and ensure you’re covered.

Is a heart catheterization a major surgery?

A heart catheterization is not considered major surgery, but it may be used therapeutically to perform surgical procedures such as repairing a heart valve or a heart defect.

As a standalone procedure, it is a diagnostic tool where no large incision is made in the chest. Instead, a small and flexible catheter is inserted into a blood vessel in your groin, arm, or neck. Depending on the cardiac catheterization results, your doctor may recommend a future surgery to treat a cardiac condition.

Are you awake during a heart catheterization?

Yes, typically, the patient remains awake during cardiac catheterization but will be given a mild sedative for relaxation. The doctor uses a local anesthetic to numb the insertion site where the catheter enters the blood vessel.

If catheterization is performed as part of a surgical procedure, an anesthesiologist may administer an IV sedative or put you under general anesthesia.

How safe is a heart catheterization?

When an experienced physician performs a heart catheterization, it is an extremely safe medical procedure. The catheterization occurs in a closely monitored environment. However, as with any medical procedure, there are risks, including infection, blood clots, and bleeding. On rare occasions, a heart attack or stroke can occur.

Does a heart catheterization hurt?

A heart catheterization procedure should be relatively pain-free. You may feel mild discomfort during the administration of the local anesthetic at the catheter insertion site. You shouldn’t feel it moving after the catheter enters the blood vessel, meaning there is no discomfort.

How long does it take to recover from a heart catheterization?

The recovery period for heart catheterization is typically one week or less. You’ll need to keep the insertion site dry for 24 to 48 hours. Recovery time varies based on where the catheter was inserted. 

For catheters in the arm, recovery is typically quicker than insertion in other areas. For catheters in the groin, most people can return to work within two to three days, as long as there is no heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling involved. Talk to your doctor about changing your dressing and what to do if your incision bleeds.

What can you not do after a heart catheterization?

Though recovery time is short, your doctor will likely advise you to avoid sexual activity for the first two to five days. Avoid going up or down stairs for the first two to three days for catheters in the groin.

Regardless of where the catheter was inserted, abstain from yard work, sports activities, squatting, or heavy lifting for the first two days after the procedure or until directed otherwise. Don’t swim or bathe for the first week to prevent infection at the incision site. Confirm with your doctor when it’s safe to resume vigorous physical activity.