Outpatient Registration Hours

Mon-Thu: 8am-4:30pm
Fri & Sun: 8am-12:30pm

Pediatric Night Clinic Registration Hours

Mon-Thu: 7pm-8:30pm
Sun: 7pm-8:30pm

Visiting Hours

12pm-2pm
5pm-8:30pm

Address

465, Burma Road,
10350 Pulau Pinang,
Malaysia

Contact

Tel: (604) 222-7200
Fax: (604) 226-3366

Cardiac Catheterization

Arteries that supply your heart with blood are affected by 'atherosclerosis' or what is commonly called 'hardening of the arteries'. The inner lining of the arteries gets thickened and rough with deposits of cholesterol and other body fats. The narrowed arteries allow less blood and less oxygen to reach the heart than is needed. When blood flow to the heart muscle is less than the demand you may experience angina. If the blood flow to the heart is totally blocked, a heart attack occurs.

Cardiac Catheterization

An angiogram is a type of x-ray. A special type of a camera is used to look at the arteries that feed your heart with blood.

An angiogram is used to find clogged or narrowed places along the coronary arteries. The process of getting an angiogram is called Cardiac Catheterization.

Before the Catheterization

You will need to give your consent to have this procedure done by signing a special form.
Blood will be taken for various tests that will be needed to complete the tests.
An ECG and a chest x-ray will be taken.
You will be asked not to eat or drink anything after a light breakfast or lunch, depending on the time of the procedure. This is to prevent you from vomiting during the procedure.
Both groins will be shaved and you will be required to have a bath using a special solution 'hibiscrub'.
A brannula will be inserted into a vein in one hand to give you fluids and injections as needed.
You will be asked to empty your bladder.
You will be given medication to help you relax but not sleep during the procedure.

The Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory is a specially equipped area where this procedure can be done. Only you will be allowed inside, any relative or companion with you will be asked to wait outside the lab during the procedure.

The Procedure

You will lie on a hard table near the equipment that will be used to take the special x-rays.
Electrodes will be placed on your chest to monitor your heart during the procedure.
Your groin or arm will be cleaned and the doctor will give a small injection to numb the area. An introducer be gently inserted into one artery either on your arm or the groin. A thin plastic tube called catheter will then be inserted through the introducer into the artery.
A special dye will be injected into the catheter to make the arteries of the heart show up more clearly on the x-ray.
Several x-rays will be taken as the fluid goes in. You may be asked not to cough or breathe for short periods.
You will be asked to see the movement of your heart, the catheter inside you and also the outline of your coronary arteries on the monitor if you like.

What Does It Feel Like?

Many of those who undergo this study do not feel pain during the test. Others may feel the following:

Pressure at the site of catheter movement.
Pain or a feeling of pressure in the chest.
Shortness of breath.
A warm tingling sensation when the fluid dye is injected.
The urge to pass urine as the fluid dye moves through the kidneys.

These feelings are normal. However, be sure to let your doctor know if you feel any severe discomfort during the test.

After the Catheterization

After the study is completed, the catheter and introducer will be taken out of the artery.

The doctor or nurse will apply pressure on the site for 10-15 minutes to stop any bleeding.
A small dressing will be applied over the puncture site and a sandbag will be placed on it. This should remain in place for several hours.
You will be asked not to move your affected limb for several hours.
You will be kept in the recovery room for some time while the effect of the medication given wears off.
Your blood pressure and pulse will be checked frequently. The puncture site will be observed to make sure there is no bleeding.
You will need to drink a lot of fluids and have a light meal. The fluids will help flush out the dye used for the procedure.
Before you are allowed to leave, your doctor will check the puncture site and also discuss the results of the procedure.
You will be asked not to exert yourself or lift heavy objects for the next 24 hours.
Remember to drink plenty of fluids over the next 24 hours. This will help to replace lost fluids and also flush out the dye.