Cardiac Catheterization and Coronary Angiogram

Cardiac catheterization is a test to check your heart. This test uses a thin flexible tube called a catheter that is inserted into the heart through blood vessels. This test can include a coronary angiogram, which checks blood flow in the coronary arteries.

A cardiac catheterization can also check blood flow and blood pressure in the chambers of the heart, find out how well the heart valves work, check for defects in the heart, or check how well the wall of the heart moves.

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.