Heart Cath Risks?

[SBF]

Hello Dr,
I'm 49 female w/family history HTN & early death from heart attack, taking stable doses of Lipitor, propranolol and Hctz for several years.  Started having angina about 6 months ago w/ 2pos stress tests, but nuclear was OK.  I have other health conditions including RSD and when I had venipuncture (which has never bothered me) for the nuclear stress test it was very painful, remains swollen and troubling me and other RSD symptoms are progressing... again.

I have to wait 6 weeks to see the Neurologist about the RSD spreading, but see Cardiologist in 2 weeks about a heart cath and was hoping you would elaborate on the proceedure so I don't worry so much.  Is true that the cath will not affect me adversely because an artery is used, doesn't have the same receptors as veins, will not aggrivate the RSD?
Thank you, SBF

[Douglas Bogart, MD]

I don't know the answer to your question but you should call the neurologist before you have the cath--I can't imagine that if a venopuncture caused more RSD symptoms that an arterial puncture would  also cause more symptoms.  Talk with the neurologist!!

[SBF]

Thank you Sir,
I'm been having problems getting my appointment moved up, but will continue trying.
Sincerely.
Susie (SBF)