Pumping Marvellous

What is Cardiac Catheterization

This sounds a little scary but it is a standard procedure.

Cardiac Catheterization is a specialized X-ray examination of the heart that uses contrast dye inserted through a catheter to allow the doctor to view the condition of the heart chambers, valves and coronary arteries. It is also known as a “dye study of the heart” or coronary angiogram.

This procedure is used to look for any problems in the heart valves or main blood vessels, or to see if there is fatty buildup in the coronary arteries. It takes place in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory.

If abnormalities are found, treatment may include medication, changes in daily habits, surgery, further cardiac tests or angioplasty.

Heart Failure Diagnosis

If you have symptoms of heart failure, your doctor will need to do some tests to confirm the diagnosis. I need to seriously stress to you that I genuinely believe that Heart Failure is the wrong word to use. In the vast majority of cases the heart hasn’t failed – it is just not functioning as per the norm. Heart Failure can be managed whether it be with drugs or intervention. It can’t be cured yet but your mental approach to your condition is half the battle. If you are interested there is serious investment going into stem cell therapy oh heart muscle.

How is heart failure diagnosed?

If you have symptoms of heart failure, your doctor will ask you to describe them in some detail, and you will also have a physical examination.
If your doctor thinks you may have heart failure, you will probably need to have tests to find out more. These might include:
• Blood tests, to check if there is anything in your blood that might indicate heart failure or some other illness.
• A chest X-ray to check whether your heart is bigger than it should be, and that there is no fluid in your lungs, which might indicate heart failure.
• An electrocardiogram (ECG), which records the natural electrical activity in your heart.
• An echocardiogram (an echo), which checks how well your heart is pumping.