Cardiac Catheterization

Cardiac catheterization (sometimes called coronary angiography) is an invasive test that allows your cardiologist to take pictures of the arteries in the heart using a catheter (long, hollow tube) threaded into the heart through a blood vessel in the leg or sometimes through the arm. This test identifies narrowing’s or blockages in the heart with 100 percent accuracy and allows your cardiologist to determine the best treatment for your heart disease. Catheterization is also important for evaluating the heart’s pumping function as well as certain heart valve problems.