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Cardiac catheterization laboratory

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Person lying under X-ray machine in cath lab

Courtesy of Intermountain Medical Imaging, Boise, Idaho. All rights reserved.

Cardiac catheterization is done in the cardiac catheterization laboratory ("cath lab") by a cardiologist.

Some of the tests and procedures that are done in a cath lab include:

  • Testing for heart disease with an angiogram.
  • Treating heart disease with angioplasty and stenting.
  • Testing for and treating heart rhythm problems.

You will lie on a flat table under a large X-ray machine. Several small pads or patches (electrodes) will be attached to your legs and arms with a special paste or gel. These electrodes are connected to an electrocardiogram (EKG, ECG) machine that continuously records the electrical activity of your heart during the test or procedure.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.