Heart Cath Test

[Dee5215]

I have a 20 year history of hypertension.  Recent test results: my in office EKG and echo cardio stress test both had abnormal results (echo 4 years ago was normal).  My symptoms have been the feeling of heart racing, then feeling light headed and at the few seconds of the heart racing, I feel I cannot get my breath.  The next test he wants to conduct is a heart cath.  Should this be the next test; it seems very invasive.

[Lisa33167]

I've had the same symptoms as you have, and a few more and I had to have a heart cath to check the arteries for problems and clots.

In my case, it was a good thing for me to have to make sure some of my problems weren't being caused by the arteries.

I was prepd; covered; given oxygen and then given Versed, which makes you very relaxed.  The cardiologist talked to me a min and told me what he was going to do and said to let him know if I felt anything.  I felt the first cut and told them, they gave me something and I didn't feel a thing then.

It took a total of 10-15 min for the procedure itself, then I had to be taken to have a pacemaker/icd implanted since my arteries were clear.

I think normally, you go back to your room after the procedure and have to lay flat for awhile and then have the stint removed and pressure placed on the site for a certain amount of time [mine was 20 min] the pressure part was worse then feeling the cut, but that's just my exeperience.

I think the next procedure for anyone would be what the doctor thinks medically it should be since we're all different and have different things wrong.

[Dee5215]

I can't thank you enough for your response and also detailing your experience.  I was praying for confirmation that I should proceed with the test and I believe GOD answered my prayer.  Thank you again.  

[Lisa33167]

As with any operation, there are complications, but the rates are relatively small.  Google cardiac cath and read on the complication rates etc.

That being said; a simple ablation like mine was supposed to be; can have complications, you are never guaranteed anything.  My EP never suspected any complications but was ready for anything thankfully.

My cath & pacemaker/icd implant had no complications 2 days later  :)