Caring for Yourself After Cardiac Catheterization Procedure
When it comes to emergencies, the human heart requires a lot of care, attention, and observation, especially after a crisis, condition, or procedure. Heart procedures do not just end at the procedure in itself. Most of the time, a lot of care still has to be taken for the procedure to be truly successful. An example is the cardiac catheterization procedure.
As a procedure that concerns the heart, there are still steps to be carried out right after the procedure. The proper steps to be taken to care for yourself after a cardiac catheterization procedure will be included fully in this article.
What Is the Cardiac Catheterization Procedure?
As the name implies, a cardiac catheterization procedure is a treatment for cardiovascular conditions. It involves passing a long thin wire/tube through your blood vessels in your groin, neck, or arm and extended to your heart. This catheter uses the blood vessels as a pathway to reach into the heart to perform treatment procedures for sure (not all) heart-related conditions. During this procedure, the patient is left awake for specific reasons.
A drug for relaxation will, however, be administered. One primary reason why cardiac catheterization is a preferred procedure for many heart conditions is that it takes less time and is very quick to complete. The cardiac catheterization procedure has one of the quickest recovery rates, and it has also proven to have fewer risks of complications. However, the risk of complications can arise if the patient does not pay heed to instructions, misses medications, or does not take proper care of themselves.
Apart from the regular safety precautions taken after a medical condition, specific precautions and self-care tips help guide post-cardiac catheterization procedures.
Why Is The Cardiac Catheterization Procedure Carried Out?
There are many reasons cardiac catheterization can be carried out, but it all comes down to a potential heart disease test. It could be recommended after your doctor has confirmed symptoms of possible heart disease. Here are a few conditions that would require a cardiac catheterization procedure
• Chest pains
These are an indication of a problem with the blood vessels. It could be due to a blockage or narrowing of the blood vessels or a disease or complication with your blood vessels. Most of the time, this is accompanied by acute chest pain. Cardiac catheterization is carried out to locate the narrowing or blocked blood vessels.
• Hemodynamic assessment
The oxygen and pressure levels in certain parts of your heart are essential for its normal functioning. This assessment is carried out to measure the levels of pressure and oxygen with the cardiac catheterization procedure.
• Pumping function
Many functions work together by tissues in the heart for proper functioning. One of those critical functions is the pumping function responsible for pumping blood and contributing to its circulation.
Cardiac catheterization checks the pumping function in either the right or the left ventriculogram.
• Heart biopsy
It is a test that requires a tissue sample from the heart. This tissue can be gotten with the help of cardiac catheterization.
• Congenital heart defects
Initially, detecting and diagnosing heart defects right from infancy was near impossible. This detection can be done quickly with cardiac catheterization.
Can Cardiac Catheterization Be Used To Treat Heart Diseases?
The common knowledge about cardiac catheterization is that it is used to test and diagnose issues with the heart and the blood vessels. However, it can also be used as a treatment procedure. Though it does not stand in itself as a treatment, it is required as a part of the procedure and treatment process for many heart diseases.
Cardiac catheterization serves as a significant part of many heart procedures with the following functions:
- Angioplasty
In a heart disease treatment, cardiac catheterization can widen or narrow a blood vessel with or without stent placement.
- Congenital defects
Cardiac catheterization is essential in treating heart diseases even at infancy stages, such as holes in the heart. It can be used to close up holes in the heart and many other such defects.
- Repairing and replacing heart valves
Cardiac catheterization can be used to repair or replace heart valves during heart treatment. It is also used in balloon valvuloplasty, where narrow heart valves are more expansive or open.
- Ablation procedure
It can be used to treat irregular heart rhythms and close off certain parts of the heart to avoid blood clots that would further block blood vessels or lead to more dire complications during a significant heart procedure or surgery.
Cardiac catheterization is an efficient and useful procedure where heart treatments are concerned. Though minimal, it also comes with its level of risks; Especially when proper care is not taken during and after the procedure. It is therefore vital to know the self-care steps after a cardiac catheterization process and the risks involved when these self-care steps are not adhered to
How To Care For Yourself After A Cardiac Catheterization Process
While the cardiac catheterization process’s risk and complication levels are low, it is imperative to still take proper care of yourself after the procedure. Here are a few ways on how you can do that
- Stay relaxed and calm.
During the procedure, anesthesia and other calming substances might have been used to help you relax even after hours of resting at the clinic; it is advisable to get someone to drive you home. It is because of the possibility of after-effects and reactions to these substances.
- Keep the bandage dry.
Avoid activities that require getting wet, like swimming. If you need to take a shower, make sure first to remove the bandages. Wet bandages can lead to complications and infections.
- Keep the procedure site clean.
It is advisable to get a cleansing recommendation from your doctor to know how best and what best to use to clean the procedure site. While taking your bath, you can gently clean the surface with soap and water. (be careful not to rub the spot violently) special soaps with strong chemical content should be avoided
- Avoid lotions and powders.
Avoid using lotions and powders on the procedure site. If at all anything will be used, then it should be an ointment with anti-bacterial properties.
- Always keep it covered.
Ensure there is always a bandage or band-aid on the site area. It will help keep it clean and prevent dust and infections from finding their way to the procedure site and causing complications.
- Observe the site
You must observe the site frequently for signs like swelling or redness in case of an infection or complication. Draining is a sure sign to see your doctor.
- Treat minor pain
With a dose of Tylenol every 5-6 hours and an ice pack on the procedure site every 2 hours, you can deal with minor pain without seeing the doctor. Remember to keep the sit dry after the ice pack has been removed.
Activities To Observe After A Cardiac Catheterization Process
- Always walk on flat surfaces, especially after the first week.
- Avoid lifting heavyweights
- Strenuous exercise like sit-ups should also be postponed until 1-2 weeks after the procedure.
- Avoid swimming or soaking.
Side effects of cardiac catheterization
- Soreness at the procedure site lasting for a week or two
- Mild bleeding. If bleeding soaks more than two dressings, then visit your doctor. Bleeding goes away after three weeks.
- A small lump that could last for up to 6 weeks
Signs That You Need To See The Doctor
The following symptoms need to be treated before they become an emergency. Call your doctor if you experience any of the signs and symptoms listed below;
- A temperature higher than 101.3 degrees F (38.3 degrees C) for more than 24 hours
- Bleeding at the cath site that does not stop when you apply pressure.
- Sudden painful lump that develops at the cath site
- Irregular pulse rate (less than 60 beats per minute or more than 100 beats per minute)
- Redness, swelling, drainage or warmth at the puncture site
- Less quantity of urine than normal
- Sudden chest pain and shortness of breath that won’t go away with rest
- Coughing up blood
- Profuse sweating, dizziness or fainting
- Numbness or coldness of the feet with a bluish coloration
Before trying anything new after a cardiac catheterization procedure, always reach out to your doctor to know which substances, products, and activities will negatively affect you. If you need a cardiac catheterization procedure or want to know more about it, contact us, or book an appointment today!
