Catheter risks associated with diabetes

[mxsmith4]

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.

[CCF-M.D.-CRC]

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.

[jan]

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.