Re: catheterizations

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD - CRC on July 20, 1998 at 12:24:04:

In Reply to: catheterizations posted by Lourdes on July 19, 1998 at 11:40:39:






I read recently that in order for blockages to form in the coronary arteries, there must be some kind of damage to the lining of the artery. My question is, could a cardiac catheterization cause damage to the lining of the artery in which the catheter is inserted therefore causing a future blockage? I'm talking about just a clean catheterization (without an angioplasty) I'm really concerned because I had a cath. without angioplasty and then later read that one of the risks is damage or bruising to the artery in which the catheter is inserted. I'm afraid I will now have a future artery blockage if my artery was bruised. I'm a petite woman and my guess is my arteries are very small. Could I get a future blockage from having the catheterization?
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Dear  Lourdes,
Topic Area: Catheter
While it is true that there is damage to the lining of the artery at the sight of blockage, this damage is due to long term microvascular influences (i.e. cholesterol, oxidants, etc).  A diagnostic catheterization will not predispose one to later developing a blockage.  Hope this relieves your mind.
Information provided here is for general educational purposes only. Only your doctor can provide specific diagnoses and treatments. If you would like to be seen at the Cleveland Clinic, please Call 1 - 800 - CCF - CARE for an appointment at Desk F15 with a cardiologist.