Cardiac catheterization, also known as coronary angiogram, is an invasive imaging-based procedure carried out to examine heart function. It is generally used to diagnose a heart disorder. This diagnostic procedure is often performed after a heart attack to help doctors look for signs of heart disease. Healthcare professionals have also been known to use cardiac catheterization to ascertain the condition of the heart before any surgery related to the heart.

Procedure
This procedure is performed by a doctor specializing in cardiac catheterization and stent placement, usually a heart specialist or cardiologist. During the procedure, a long, thin tube known as a catheter is placed inside a vein or artery in the arm, neck, or upper thigh and threaded through the vessel until it reaches the heart. 

Purpose
When the catheter reaches the heart, the doctor runs a few diagnostic tests. An example would be releasing a dye through the catheter. When observed under an X-ray machine, the dye allows the doctor to see the chambers and the blood vessels in the heart. In addition, cardiac catheterization procedure can help a doctor do the following:

• Look for blocked or narrow blood vessels
• Check the valves of the heart for any problems
• Conduct a biopsy of the heart by extracting a tissue for sampling
• Measure the pressure and flow of blood in the heart
• Monitor the coronary arteries from the heart to the lungs and check for symptoms of pulmonary embolism and pulmonary hypertension

In addition to running diagnostic tests, a cardiac catheterization procedure helps perform certain treatments to improve the heart’s functioning or treat conditions related to the blood vessels. 

Stent placement: Cardiac catheterization can be used to place a stent, i.e., a small metal coil inside a blocked or clogged artery. This procedure can improve the blood flow and prevent the affected vessel from narrowing again.

Ablation: This procedure corrects arrhythmia or an irregular heartbeat. Here, a doctor applies cold or heat using a specialized catheter to destroy tissue in the heart and treat the irregular rhythm of the organ.

Angioplasty: Also known as percutaneous coronary intervention, angioplasty involves the placement of a small inflatable balloon inside an artery. As the balloon expands, the artery widens, resuming regular blood flow. This procedure is used to treat a blocked or narrowed artery.

Valvuloplasty: In valvuloplasty, too, a catheter with a balloon is inflated inside the valves that have become narrow. This opens up the valves to make more space.

Cost
The cost of cardiac catheterization depends on several factors, like location and hospital fees. Further, additional tests like X-rays can increase the overall cost. So, the cardiac catheterization and stent placement costs can start from $7,000 and go up to $11,300. Health insurance coverage for the diagnostic test can reduce out-of-pocket expenses. It is important to note that Medicare Part A can offer coverage for cardiac catheterization and stent placement, provided the procedure requires a hospital stay.

Risks
Cardiac catheterization is considered to be a safe procedure. However, it can carry a few risks, which should be discussed with a healthcare provider beforehand. 

• Perforations or a hole developing in the blood vessel through which the catheter has been passed
• Air embolism due to air entering the blood vessel
• Allergic reaction to the dye
• Unexpected bleeding
• Blood clots and bruises
• Sudden heart attack
• Risk of infection
• Damage to the kidney brought on by the dye
• Uneven or irregular heart rhythm or arrhythmia

One should discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure with their doctor to make an informed decision before undergoing cardiac catheterization.

Recovery
As cardiac catheterization is a minor diagnostic procedure, the recovery period is short. However, one will have to take a few precautions to lower the risk of complications. If one experiences any unusual symptoms during the recovery period, they should consult their doctor as soon as possible. In addition to following doctor’s orders, one can consider the following tips for smoother recovery:

• Drinking plenty of liquids is important to flush out the dye from the blood vessels.
• Taking care of the wound site is extremely crucial to avoid any bleeding, infection, or discomfort.
• One should avoid engaging in any strenuous physical activity, such as lifting heavy objects after the procedure. One can discuss with a doctor how and when they can get back to normal routine activities.
  
• One should follow a healthy nutritional regimen recommended by the medical team, at least for the first few weeks or until the wound site has healed completely.
  
• It is important to keep up with follow-up and doctor appointments following the procedure.

It is important to consider all the complications and expected outcomes before signing up for such procedures.