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Heart Disease  (Expert Forum)
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Catheter risks associated with diabetes
This forum is for questions and support regarding heart issues such as: Angina, Angioplasty, Arrhythmia, Bypass Surgery, Cardiomyopathy, Coronary Artery Disease, Defibrillator, Heart Attack, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, Mitral Valve Prolapse, Pacemaker, PAD, Stenosis, Stress Tests.

Catheter risks associated with diabetes

by mxsmith4, May 28, 2001 12:00AM
My mother, age 70, is diabetic. She is scheduled for a catheter procedure to determine if she has a blockage in her heart. She has had ultrasound and EKG tests performed that indicate she may have a problem. Are there less invasive or non-invasive procedures that would provide the same or useful information at a lower risk level? I'm concerned because she is diabetic and this may add additional risk to the catheter procedure on top of the other know risks.

by CCF-M.D.-CRC, May 29, 2001 12:00AM
Dear smith,

Heart catheterization is the "gold standard" for determining heart blockages.  There are other methods but they are not as accurate as a cath.  A heart cath has some risks but is in general a safe procedure.  The doctor doing the procedure should go through all the risks and alternatives prior to the procedure.  Good luck.
Member Comments (2)

by jan, May 28, 2001 12:00AM
Dear Mx,
Everybody is different, but I just wanted to tell you my mom went through 2 catheters with both diabetes and congestive heart failure at 65 and then ?. She made out just fine. I hope all goes well for you.
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