The field of interventional cardiology is dedicated to finding and treating heart diseases with methods that require little or no surgery. These procedures are an essential part of modern heart care, offering patients effective treatment with faster recovery times compared to traditional open-heart surgery. If you’ve been recommended for an interventional cardiology procedure, it’s natural to wonder what the process involves and how it will impact your heart health. Here’s what you can expect during your procedure.
The Preparation
Before the procedure, your cardiologist will conduct a series of tests, such as blood tests, EKGs, or imaging studies like an echocardiogram or angiogram. These help figure out the specifics of your situation and help you make decisions. Interventional cardiology may be what you need if you have chest pain or lack of breath to clear out blockages or make blood flow better to the heart.
There will be a time when you need to fast for a few hours before your treatment, and you may be given something to help you relax. Your cardiologist will go over the procedure with you in great depth, including the pros and cons, and make sure you understand everything before you go ahead with it.
The Procedure
Interventional cardiology procedures are generally done in a specialized area called a catheterization lab or “cath lab.” There will be numbing medicine in the area where the catheter (a thin, bendable tube) will go into use. Most of the time, this is in your arm, wrist, or groin. In some cases, sedation may be used, but you will generally be awake and able to communicate with your medical team.
Once the catheter is in place, your cardiologist will guide it to the area of concern in your heart. For example, if there is a blockage in one of the coronary arteries, the cardiologist will use the catheter to insert a balloon, which is inflated to open up the blocked artery. This is commonly known as angioplasty. In some cases, a stent—a small mesh tube—may be inserted to help keep the artery open and improve blood flow.
If you’re undergoing a procedure for a condition like arrhythmia, the cardiologist may use the catheter to target specific areas in your heart tissue that are causing irregular heartbeats. This can be done using techniques like radiofrequency ablation, which uses heat to destroy problematic tissue.
What Happens After the Procedure?
Following the procedure, you’ll be monitored in a recovery area for several hours to ensure that your vital signs are stable and that there are no complications. Your cardiologist in Denver will check your insertion site for bleeding or bruising and may perform additional tests to confirm that the procedure was successful. Patients can usually go home the same day, but some may need to stay overnight to be watched.
You will be told how to take care of yourself after the procedure, which may include taking prescribed medications, staying out of heavy physical exercise for a few days, and going to follow-up appointments. Very important if you want to get the best result: make sure you slowly follow these steps. Most people can get back to their normal lives in a few days to a few weeks, though it depends on the treatment and how long it takes them to heal.
Potential Risks
Although interventional cardiology procedures are generally safe, there are risks involved. Problems that could happen include bleeding where the catheter was put in, an infection, an allergic response to the contrast dye, or damage to blood vessels or heart tissue. However, the risks of these procedures are much lower than traditional open-heart surgery, and your cardiologist will take steps to minimize these risks.
Conclusion
Interventional cardiology offers a modern and less invasive way to treat a variety of heart conditions, from blocked arteries to arrhythmias. While the procedures are typically straightforward, the impact they can have on your heart health is significant. If you’re facing an interventional cardiology procedure, it’s important to discuss your concerns with your cardiologist. They will guide you through each step and ensure you’re well-prepared for the procedure and recovery process. Whether you’re dealing with a recent diagnosis or undergoing a scheduled procedure, interventional cardiology may offer you a path to better heart health with a quicker recovery.
