Question:
i recently had a heart cath.performed,was told that no blockages was seen,but what was seen could be treated with medication,i have a follow up dated on feb 6th,my question is this,"what could have been seen that would warrant medication"? i was not told what the DR. saw.


Answer:
Cardiac catheterization is a diagnostic procedure for evaluating certain problems with the heart and its blood supply. Coronary artery disease is the most common problem that requires a catheterization or what's known as a "heart cath."

Coronary artery disease occurs when the arteries that bring blood to the heart muscle are narrowed (occluded) by a build-up of fats or cholesterol. Blood cannot flow freely throughout the vessels, resulting in episodes of chest discomfort (angina) or in a heart attack (myocardial infarction).

At times, a heart cath is needed to check on how well the heart muscle is pumping and how well the valves are opening and closing. Initially, The procedure can identify heart defects or disease, such as coronary artery disease, valve problems, ventricular aneurysms, or heart enlargement.

They will discuss this fully with you. You will also meet with different members of the staff to review in detail your medications and the whole treatment plan before you leave your next appointment.

Since there were no blockages, then my educated guess is that there could be some improvment with the 1). Pressures measured in each chamber; 2). the motion of the heart muscle as it pushes blood out to the body. Of any of the above disorders of the heart and it's blood flow, can be treated with medication except for a blocked artery, which require surgical intervention.

Hope this answers your question!

REFERENCES

1. Brigham and Womens Hospital Information. Heart Catheterization Diagnosis and Interventions: A Guide for Patients and their Families.