Heart catheterization consists of a test in which the medical professional uses a long, thin tube that is threaded through the blood vessels to the heart. It is done to check for certain conditions of the heart as well as the conditions of the arteries that are near the heart. Our cardiologist at Cardiology Consultants of Southwest Florida in Fort Myers would be happy to help you determine if this test can help you.
Many times, a special solution will be inserted into the blood through the catheter. This enables the blood vessels to show up on an X-ray so that the medical expert can check for conditions such as blockages. The buildup of a waxy substance referred to as plaque can form within the arteries and block the blood flow to the heart. If the blockage becomes severe enough, it can lead to a serious health condition like a heart attack. The buildup of plaque is referred to as coronary artery disease. It is sometimes called coronary heart disease.
In addition to checking the blood flow through the arteries, heart catheterization can be used to examine various parts of the heart such as the chambers, the valves and the wall. The procedure can also be used for children who may have had a heart condition since birth.
The test that is conducted by means of a heart catheterization is referred to as a coronary angiogram. The results of the test can then help our cardiologist in Fort Myers determine if further treatments are necessary. If so, the information can also be used to help our doctor decide which method will likely work best. Depending on the specific condition, options include the use of medications, angioplasty or surgery. If an angioplasty is done, it could be accompanied by the placements of stents to help keep the arteries open. Sometimes, however, the doctor may perform an angioplasty without the need to use stents as part of the treatment.
If you have been told by a medical professional or have other reasons to believe that you could benefit from a test like a heart catheterization, you should check with our experienced cardiologist in Fort Myers. The team at Cardiology Consultants of Southwest Florida is committed to helping people in the Fort Myers and surrounding areas improve and maintain their cardiovascular health.
