Cardiac Catheterization Recovery

Our body consists of a number of organ systems that function together to sustain life. Among the organs, the heart is a vital organ which pumps blood throughout the body and ensures that the rest of the organs in the human body are functioning properly. The heart is one such organ that has to perform continuously without any break or rest in between. The heart may also get affected due to a number of diseases and disorders, owing to unhealthy lifestyle. It is essential to have regular monitoring of the heart and circulatory system to prevent any disease and also treat the disease in the initial stages in order to avoid unnecessary complications. Cardiac catheterization is one such process which helps diagnose the presence of any disease in the heart or cardiovascular system. Before we discuss the cardiac catheterization recovery, let us take a look at the cardiac cath process.

Cardiac Catheterization Procedure

Cardiac catheterization is a minimally invasive surgery, where a tube is inserted into the body through a tiny incision to diagnose the presence of any arterial blockage in the heart. The overall heart health, including the condition of the cardiac muscles, arteries and valves can also be diagnosed through cardiac catheterization. This medical procedure also helps in the identification of heart diseases.

The cardiac catheterization procedure, also known as heart cath process, is carried out in a lab known as the cath laboratory. It is mostly considered to be an outpatient department procedure, since it is quicker than a heart surgery and takes up to two hours for completion. This process is usually carried out under mild sedation. The patient can view the procedure, if he wishes to do so. The temperature in the cath lab is approximately 65 ºF. The lab will have an array of machines which monitor the activity of the heart and other organs involved. The patient is made to lie on his back and is covered with sterile sheets, barring the site where the catheter needs to be inserted. A blood pressure cuff and an oximeter are fitted to keep the patient in a stable condition. Since this is mainly a diagnostic test, which looks into the condition of the heart and helps treat the disorders, heart attacks and other heart related disorders can be prevented. Let us now take a look at the phases of cardiac catheterization recovery.

Post Operative Care: At the Hospital

After the cardiac catheterization procedure, the patient is shifted to the recovery room, where he is kept under close observation for approximately one day. Immediately after the surgery, the patient is advised strict bed rest for about eight to nine hours without any movement. The main aim behind this is to rest the area where the catheter (or the tube) has been inserted in the body. In case the catheter has been inserted into the body through a vein in the arm, then the arm should be kept in an extended position for about three to four hours. If the catheter is through the thigh or groin vein, then the leg must be kept at an extended and elevated position for about six to eight hours.

During the stay at the hospital, the patient is made to drink lots of water and fluids at regular intervals. This is to induce frequent urination to dispose of the dye from the body. There can be slight bleeding at the site of the incision where the catheter had been inserted. In order to stem the loss of blood, the incision site must be pressed down with the help of cotton or tissue. The patient is discharged from the hospital after performing a few preliminary tests and is also advised to consult the doctor, if there are any noticeable changes at the site of the surgery or if the patient experiences side effects like pain, tenderness or fever accompanied by chills.

Post Operative Care: At Home

After a brief stay at the hospital, the patient is discharged and allowed to go home. Recovery from cardiac catheterization at home involves following the surgeon's post operative care instructions. The patient is strictly advised to stay away strenuous activities as it may prolong the healing of the surgical wound. Proper care must be taken to prevent any infections or the wound becoming septic. The doctor may recommend aerobic exercises for the quick recovery from catheterization, which will increase the efficiency of the heart and lungs. Exercise also reduces the risk of the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases. The cardiac catheterization recovery time may vary according to the individual and also depends on a number of factors like the age and physical health of the patient, and his response to the post operative care provided. On an average it can takes up to 3 to 4 hours, after the surgery, for the catheterization recovery process to begin. However, to speed up recovery after catheterization, it is advisable to avoid doing any heavy work or strain yourself for a couple of weeks before you resume your routine. In some cases cardiac catheterization complications may develop as a result of improper care. In that matter it is necessary to consult your doctor who may prescribe medications to bring down the severity of the symptoms and cure them.

A change in the lifestyle, and quitting alcohol and smoking, will increase the longevity and keep your body free from diseases. Hope you found this article on cardiac catheterization recovery useful and informative. Wish you good health and take care!