These specialised procedures help diagnose a wide range of cardiac and pulmonary conditions, including heart failure, valve disease, congenital heart abnormalities and pulmonary hypertension.
Right Heart Catheterisation
During a right heart catheterisation, a catheter is passed through a vein into the right side of the heart and pulmonary arteries. This allows accurate measurement of blood pressure within the heart and lungs and helps assess how effectively the heart is pumping blood.
Left Heart Catheterisation
Left heart catheterisation involves passing a catheter into the arterial system to assess the left side of the heart and coronary arteries. It is commonly performed alongside coronary angiography to identify narrowing or blockage within the coronary circulation.
Why Might I Need This Investigation?
Your cardiologist may recommend right and left heart catheterisation to:
- Assess heart valve disease
- Investigate unexplained breathlessness
- Evaluate heart failure
- Diagnose pulmonary hypertension
- Assess congenital heart conditions
- Measure cardiac output and intracardiac pressures
Results
The information obtained provides highly detailed measurements that cannot be obtained from non-invasive tests alone, helping your cardiologist develop the most appropriate treatment plan.
You should not drive for 48 hours after an angiogram so will need someone to drive you home once you are ready for discharge.
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Please note that with increased demand, and long NHS waits, our services and office are under more demand than ever. As a result our staff are exceptionally busy and often working under great pressure.