Heart Care

Cardiac Catheterization is a non-surgical, minimally invasive procedure that allows your cardiologist to take special x-ray pictures of the heart and determine if there are any problems with heart function or blood flow.

Cardiac Catheterization can be used to:

• Detect the presence and severity of blockages in the arteries of the heart
• Evaluate the pumping function of the heart
• Determine how well the heart valves are functioning
• Diagnose abnormalities of the heart that may have been present since birth
• Detect extent of damage from previous heart attack
• Assess function of coronary artery bypass grafts

Who performs Cardiac Catheterization?
The Cardiac Catheterization team at St. Luke's Hospital includes a cardiologist with specialized training in interventional cardiology, specially trained registered nurses and radiology technologists skilled in cardiac studies.

Our skilled team treats emergency patients in the midst of a heart attack, as well as patients coming in for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

If blockages are detected during the procedure, the cardiologist will discuss a treatment plan with you. Treatment options include: medical therapy, balloon angioplasty, stent placement or coronary artery bypass surgery. Treatment decisions are based on extent of blockage and the presence of other medical conditions.

Electrophysiology Study