What is interventional cardiology?
Interventional cardiology uses catheters to diagnose and treat various
. Catheters are tiny tubes that healthcare providers put through your
. You don’t need an incision (cut) for these procedures.
In medicine, an intervention is a treatment or procedure that prevents or treats disease. For this field of medicine, the interventions involve using catheters.
Interventional cardiology procedures have benefits compared to more invasive cardiac surgeries, like:
Smaller cuts
Lower risk of blood loss
Faster recovery time
Shorter hospital stays
What does an interventional cardiologist do?
In interventional cardiology, the focus is on making sure your blood flows the way it should. Providers in this specialty find and fix issues that get in the way of your blood flow. For example, they may check the blood flow and pressure in your
and
.
An interventional cardiologist uses catheters to do
procedures on your heart or blood vessels. They can diagnose or treat conditions this way. They don’t do open-heart surgery like a
does.
The most common interventional cardiology procedure is
and
placement in your coronary artery. Your provider uses a catheter to find a blockage in one of your heart’s arteries. Then, they make a path for your blood using a tiny balloon. They can keep that pathway open with a stent if needed. This can be a lifesaving procedure for a
.
Examples of other medical procedures include:
Why would I be referred to an interventional cardiologist?
Your healthcare provider may refer you to an interventional cardiologist if you have a heart or blood vessel issue. You may need a diagnosis or a treatment.
Some examples of these conditions include:
Sometimes, surgery is necessary for these conditions. But an interventional cardiologist can see if you’re a good fit for a minimally invasive procedure that uses a catheter.
An interventional cardiologist may also give you treatment in an emergency, like if you have a heart attack.
What can I expect at an interventional cardiology appointment?
An interventional cardiologist will ask you about your symptoms and how long you’ve been having them. They’ll ask about your health history and your family’s history of heart and blood vessel issues. Be sure to bring a medication list so they can see what you’re taking. This includes medicines or supplements you buy without a prescription.
Your provider will listen to your heart. They may do simple exams at your appointment. For example, they may listen to your heart and check your blood pressure.
If you need a procedure, you’ll need to schedule a separate appointment for another day. Your provider will discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure they think would benefit you. They’ll tell you how to prepare for it.