What is the major purpose of cardiac catheterization?

The major purpose of cardiac catheterization is to visualize the disease process in the coronary arteries. This procedure involves inserting a thin tube (catheter) into the heart through a blood vessel, typically in the groin or wrist, allowing for direct access to the coronary arteries. During the procedure, a contrast dye is injected, making the vessels visible on X-ray imaging. This visualization enables healthcare providers to identify blockages, assess blood flow, and evaluate the extent and severity of coronary artery disease, which is critical for developing an appropriate treatment plan.

While obtaining pressures in the heart chambers, determining the existence of congenital heart disease, and measuring the oxygen content of various heart chambers are also important cardiac assessments, they are not the primary purpose of cardiac catheterization. The focus on the coronary arteries is what differentiates this procedure, as it specifically targets cardiovascular health issues related to blood flow and blockages, which are often critical for patients with suspected heart disease.