The heart catheterization procedure is an invasive medical procedure used to examine the structures and functions of the heart. The heart is the main pumping organ of the body which is designed to produce enough pressure to move blood around the body. The heart has four chambers that perform the pumping actions designed to make this process work. In order to understand if these chambers and valves are doing their job, a heart catheterization procedure needs to be performed. The heart catheterization procedure involves the insertion of a catheter into a blood vessel in the thigh. This catheter is then passed up through the blood vessel into the heart. During this process, the catheter is followed using an imaging device which continuously scans the patient’s body. When it reaches the heart, a contrast dye is delivered. This marks out the insides of the heart. It also allows for the flow of blood to be checked. Finally, it helps with identifying structures within the heart.
There is a heart catheterization recovery period that one has to go through after the procedure. This heart catheterization recovery time usually lasts for about a day. In some cases, the patient may be discharged on the same day of the procedure if there are positive signs found in the test. However, many patients who undergo heart catheterization procedures stay for a day or two in the hospital so that their condition can be continuously monitored. Other tests may be carried out during this period to check other parameters relating to the health of the individual.
The incision wound is important when it comes to heart catheterization recovery. The wound is stitched up and bandaged after the heart catheterization procedure. Once this happens, the patient is made to lie flat for a period of some hours. This is to ensure that the wound has healed a little before any movement takes place. This is critical for heart catheterization recovery as an infection can easily affect the area. Infection in the wound area is one of the more common heart catheterization recovery problems faced by patients. It is important to stress that the risks of the heart catheterization procedure are fairly low in any case, especially as medical technology has evolved further and further.
During heart catheterization recovery, the patient may feel uncomfortable as he or she comes out of anesthesia. It is best if a family member or close friend is present with the patient at this time.