Cardiac catheterization (also called a “heart cath”) is a procedure to evaluate your heart function and coronary arteries. The test consists of injecting contrast material (dye) into the coronary arteries to trace the movement of blood through the arteries (coronary angiography). The main purpose of a cardiac catheterization is to determine if there is any blockage (plaque build up) in the coronary arteries. Based on these findings, the physician can then determine the best treatment modality such as medical therapy, balloon angioplasty, stent, or surgery.

The angiography usually lasts 15 to 45 minutes. If follow-up treatment is required, it may take an additional 30 to 60 minutes. The length of the procedure is not an indication of the seriousness of your condition.