Cardiac catheterization is a medical procedure used to diagnose or treat certain heart or blood vessel problems. It involves guiding a thin, hollow tube (a catheter), through a blood vessel to the heart.

Patients are usually awake during the procedure, with medications provided to help them relax. In general, cardiac catheterization is considered a safe procedure when performed by an experienced medical team, with a low risk of major complications. (1)

Risks of Cardiac Catheterization

Serious complications from cardiac catheterization are rare. However, potential risks and side effects may include (2)

• Bleeding or bruising: At the catheter insertion site (e.g., thigh, arm, neck, or wrist).
• Pain: In the area where the catheter was inserted.
• Irregular heart rhythms.
• Blood clots.
• Infections.
• Allergic reactions: To the dye or medications used during the procedure.
• Damage: To the artery, heart, or area where the catheter was inserted.
• Heart attack.
• Kidney damage.
• Stroke.

What Happens Immediately After the Procedure?

In the recovery room

• You will typically spend a few hours in the recovery room after the procedure, with the rest period lasting around 4–6 hours.
• If the catheter was inserted through a blood vessel in the thigh, you may need to lie flat for several hours. This helps prevent bleeding and allows the artery to heal properly.
• After the rest period, you can get up—with assistance from a nurse—who will monitor your blood pressure while lying down, sitting, and standing. Be sure to stand up slowly to avoid dizziness caused by prolonged rest.

Length of hospital stay

Depends on your overall health, the reason for the catheterization, and any procedures performed during it. After the rest period, you may be able to go home the same day or the following day unless your doctor recommends additional monitoring.

Recommendations after the procedure

• Drink plenty of water and other fluids for the next 24–48 hours, to help flush the dye from the body. 
• Unless your doctor advises otherwise, you can return to a normal diet after the procedure. (3)

Are There Risks from the Dye Used in Cath?

During cardiac catheterization, a dye (contrast agent) is sometimes used. While generally safe, it can cause minor temporary side effects and, rarely, more serious complications. (4)

1. Common and Temporary Side Effects:

These effects usually subside within moments and may include:

• A warm or flushed sensation in the body.
• A salty or metallic taste in the mouth.
• Nausea.
• A mild, temporary headache.

2. Rare, More Serious Side Effects:

• Allergic reactions: Symptoms may include rash, itching, or difficulty breathing.

• Kidney injury from the dye: This condition involves a sudden decline in kidney function within 48–72 hours after the procedure.

At-risk groups for kidney complications include patients with diabetes, chronic kidney disease or heart disease.

Symptoms of kidney issues may include:

• Body swelling due to fluid retention.
• Extreme fatigue or general weakness.
• Difficulty breathing due to fluid buildup.
• Decreased urine output.

To minimize the risk of kidney damage, doctors take precautions such as:

• Assessing kidney function before the procedure.
• Using low-toxicity dyes.
• Providing fluids before and after the procedure.

Complications from cardiac catheterization are relatively rare when performed in specialized centers. For optimal care and access to the latest technology, consider the kingdom's leading cath lab at Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital in Riyadh.

References

1. NHLBI, NIH - What Is Cardiac Catheterization
2. AHA Journals - Safety and Risk of Major Complications With Diagnostic Cardiac Catheterization
3. AHA - Cardiac Catheterization‍
4. Johns Hopkins Medicine - Cardiac Catheterization