Cardiac catheterization is a procedure used to treat or diagnose some diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Although it is a modern and safe technology, there may be some side effects after the cardiac catheterization procedure, which may be simple and usual, or they may be serious complications that require reporting. Doctor as soon as you feel it.
Cardiac catheterization
Cardiac catheterization is a very thin, flexible tube that is inserted through a blood vessel in the thigh or arm, and then directed to the desired location in the heart and arteries. This is done under local or general anesthesia, depending on the patient’s condition. It is considered a safe procedure, and does not exceed The risk of death is one percent.
Reasons for using cardiac catheterization
Cardiac catheterization is a delicate procedure used for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, such as:
- Diagnosis and treatment of heart valve problems.
- Arrhythmia.
- Diagnosing and knowing the birth defects that some infants are born with.
- In the event of a blockage or narrowing of the arteries, it is used to determine the location of the blocked artery. It can also be used to treat this blockage and expand the arteries with a balloon.
- Used during the stent installation process.
- Taking a sample of heart tissue or evaluating the efficiency of the heart muscle.
- It can also be used to close a hole in the heart and treat some birth defects.
- Measuring the oxygen rate and pressure in different parts of the heart.
What is the rest period after cardiac catheterization?
Cardiac catheterization operations are among the operations characterized by the patient’s rapid recovery afterward. The patient’s recovery period after the cardiac catheterization procedure is only a week. It is normal for the patient to feel some pain in the area where the cardiac catheterization was installed. This feeling may last for several days, but it does not require Concern because it usually disappears gradually within days after the operation, with some side effects of the heart catheterization procedure.
Side effects after cardiac catheterization
- The presence of hematoma bleeding under the skin at the site of the catheter installation.
- A common side effect is that the patient feels pain in the arm or thigh.
- Some bruising and swelling may occur in its place.
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Some rare side effects after cardiac catheterization:
- Some people may experience an allergic reaction to the contrast dye.
- Infection occurs.
- The patient may suffer from a heart rhythm disorder.
- Stroke is a very rare effect.
- Blood accumulation may cause low blood pressure.
Serious complications after cardiac catheterization
The appearance of serious side effects after a heart catheterization procedure may indicate that the patient does not adhere to the instructions and instructions that the doctor informed him of. These dangerous complications include:
- The patient’s temperature rises.
- Feeling chills or dizzy.
- Complaining of chest pain with irregular heartbeat and shortness of breath.
- Note the presence of pus in the catheter site.
- A feeling of numbness at the site of the wound.
Important instructions after cardiac catheterization
Professor Dr. Muhammad Al-Ghannam, a consultant in open-heart and minimally invasive surgery, points out that there are several tips that a sick person must follow to avoid side effects after cardiac catheterization and dangerous complications, including:
- You should be careful to walk short distances to stimulate blood circulation and avoid blood clots.
- Avoid strenuous work, lifting heavy loads, or exerting physical effort after cardiac catheterization.
- You should avoid climbing stairs as much as possible.
- The bandage should be changed the next day after the operation, and a new bandage should be applied to prevent contamination.
- Wear loose clothing around the wound area.
- Keep the wound area as clean and dry as possible for quick recovery.
- Use antibiotic ointment prescribed by the doctor to protect the wound.
- Follow the doctor’s instructions for taking medications to avoid side effects after cardiac catheterization
- Drinking water and fluids helps hydrate the body and recover quickly.
- Following a healthy diet that promotes heart health includes eating lean meats such as poultry and fish, in addition to whole grains, vegetables and fruits.
Can cardiac catheterization lead to death?
It is very rare for serious complications to occur after cardiac catheterization, and the risk of death does not exceed one percent. However, it is important to be aware of some symptoms that must be taken care of to avoid and to contact the treating physician immediately if they occur. These dangerous signs include:
- If you notice an enlargement and bleeding from the place where the catheter was installed, and this bleeding does not stop, you must inform the doctor immediately and obtain medical assistance to stop this bleeding.
- If the presence of pus is observed at the site of the wound along with a high temperature, this indicates the occurrence of an infection and the doctor must be informed immediately.
- If the patient feels numbness in the legs or a feeling of coldness in the extremities, with their color changing to blue, then this is also not a good thing after cardiac catheterization and the doctor must be informed about it.
In conclusion, side effects after cardiac catheterization are often minor and do not pose risks to the patient, so the patient should not be afraid of them.
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