Cardiology
Cardiac catheterisation is an invasive diagnostic test that is used to prevent and/or treat heart disease as well as allowing doctors to locate blockages or any narrowing in the coronary arteries.
Treatment characteristics
Who is this kind of treatment for?
This test is for patients who have acute chest pain, fatigue (respiratory failure) or a history of heart attack or angina.
How is the treatment performed?
A catheter is inserted into an artery through the arm or groin to the heart, guided by an x-ray machine. Once the catheter is in place, a contrast dye is injected to detect any abnormalities.
What is the result of the treatment?
This diagnostic test allows doctors to measure the heart’s oxygen supply, measure blood pressure and blood flow, examine arteries and/or take blood or tissue samples in order to prevent heart disease.
What recovery time do I need in Spain?
As the procedure is not an intervention but a diagnostic test, and if no abnormality has been detected that requires treatment, it is not necessary to stay in Spain for more than a few days.
Treatment itinerary
Before treatment
- Check that you have prepared all the personal documentation (credit card, cash, passport, Identity Card…), medical (reports, prescriptions, images…) and travel (confirmation of accommodation booking, travel tickets…)
- If you take medication of any kind not related to the surgery, do not forget to take with you the necessary amount for your stay in Spain, as well as the medical prescription that will allow you to travel with it without problems.
During treatment
- Once you are in Spain, you will have to make an appointment with your specialist. During this visit, the doctor will open your medical record (for which you will be asked to provide all your medical documentation), perform a physical examination and tell you if any further tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis.
- If it is not necessary and everything is confirmed, your doctor will tell you when you must go to the preoperative study and will confirm the time of admission for the day of your surgery.
- If the surgeon has told you to stop taking any medication a few days before the surgery, such as anticoagulants, please do not forget to follow the exact instructions given by the doctor or you will not be able to have the operation!
- The same goes for any fasting that the doctor indicates, if you do not comply – You will not be able to have the surgery either.
After treatment
- Certain precautions will need to be taken, depending on the area where the catheter is inserted.
- If the catheter has been inserted through the groin, for the first 2 or 3 days, you should not drive or go up or down noticeable inclines. You can walk, but always on a flat surface and for a short amount of time only.
- If the catheter has been inserted in your arm, you should not carry anything and should avoid using force.
- In both cases you should avoid exertion, it is recommended to limit sexual activity for at least the first week after surgery.
- You must strictly follow the medical instructions given to you by your doctor.
- Remember that your recovery time will vary depending on your age, your physical condition, your lifestyle habits and your attitude!
- Keep in mind that your successful recovery also depends on you!
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