Cardiac catheterisation is an invasive procedure used to see if you have a disease of the heart muscle, valves or coronary arteries, and to treat certain heart conditions. It is sometimes called a coronary angiogram or cardiac angiography.
A long thin tube, called a catheter, is inserted into your artery or vein in your groin or arm and is passed into your heart using X-ray scanning.
You will have a local anaesthetic to numb the area where the catheter is put in. You will be linked to a heart monitor that records your heart rate and rhythm.
A special dye, called a contrast dye, is injected to allow your doctor to see any narrowing or blockages in your coronary arteries. They may also take a detailed look at your left heart chamber.
Your doctor can perform heart disease treatment at the same time if needed. This includes coronary angioplasty and coronary stenting to open or help widen heart arteries and improve blood flow to your heart.
Cardiac catheterisation is invasive and treatments can be carried out at the same time. This means it is often used for patients who have a known, or who are high risk of, coronary artery disease. These patients can benefit from diagnosis and stent or angioplasty treatment as one procedure.
Cardiac catheterisation is done to see if you have a heart problem and to treat a known heart problem.
A diagnostic cardiac catheterisation test can help your doctor to:
Cardiac catheterisation is also used as part of some treatment procedures for heart disease including:
Recovery time for a diagnostic cardiac catheterisation is quick.
You can expect to go home the same day after a diagnostic heart catheterisation or coronary angiogram. If you have treatment during your heart catheterisation, you may need to stay in hospital overnight or longer.
You should follow your doctor’s advice and instructions regarding your recovery and medications.
We will arrange a follow-up appointment for you to check how you are doing after your procedure.
You can expect to return to your normal activities the day after the procedure if no other interventions were performed. If your cardiac catheterisation was part of another procedure it may take longer until you can resume your daily activities.
You may have a small bruise where the catheter was inserted. This should go down after a week or so.
The cost of a cardiac catheterisation will depend on whether it is purely diagnostic or if it was performed as part of other heart treatment, as well as your Ramsay hospital of choice.
You will receive a formal quotation price for your cardiac catheterisation following your consultation with one of our expert cardiologists. This formal quote for cardiac catheterisation will be valid for 60 days.
Ramsay is recognised by all major medical insurers. Cardiac catheterisation is covered by most medical insurance policies. We advise you to obtain written authorisation from your insurance provider before having your cardiac catheterisation.
We have a number of finance options if you are paying for your cardiac catheterisation test yourself. We offer interest-free finance so you pay 0% interest, no deposit and benefit from affordable monthly instalments.
Cardiac catheterisation is a diagnostic test to find out detailed information about how your heart and coronary arteries are working. It can also provide treatment for some heart conditions at the same time.
Ramsay Health Care UK offers cardiac catheterisation for both diagnostic and treatment purposes.
We understand it can be distressing when you do not fully understand why you have symptoms. You can book prompt and convenient appointments for your cardiac catheterisation. Our expert cardiologists can diagnose your heart condition, alleviate your worries, and offer appropriate treatment.
We have dedicated cardiac catheter laboratories or multipurpose angiography suites to perform cardiac catheterisation at a local Ramsay hospital of your choice.
With strict infection control protocols in place, we provide access to safe hospital care.
Dr Tamas Ungvari
Cardiology
Dr Tamas Ungvari is a Consultant Cardiologist in Truro, Cornwall
View Profile
Dr R J Van Lingen
Cardiology
Dr Van Lingen is a Consultant Cardiologist in Truro, Cornwall.
View Profile
Spread the cost of your treatment with fixed, monthly payments over a time period to suit you.
Find out more
We offer an alternative range of ways to pay, so you can choose which one best suits you and your finances.
Find out more
Use your private medical insurance to fund your treatment through our simple referral process.
Find out moreA stress ECG is a simple test that records the electrical activity of your heart, your heart rate and your blood pressure under different levels of physical activity.
A loop recorder implantation is a long-term heart recording device and is implanted for several reasons. Most commonly, loop recorder implantation is performed to look for causes of fainting, palpitations, very fast or slow heartbeats, and hidden rhythms that can cause strokes.
Cardiac blood tests are performed to check if there is anything in your blood that might indicate a heart attack or other cardiac illness. They also measure the level of substances in your blood, such as blood fats and minerals, to work out your future risk of heart disease.
Pacemaker implantation is one of the most common types of heart surgery carried out in the UK. A pacemaker is a small device that's implanted in your chest to help control your heartbeat, it is used to prevent your heart from beating too slowly, quickly, or irregularly.
Duchy Hospital in Truro, is proud to announce that its endoscopy unit has been awarded accreditation by the Joint Advisory Group on Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (JAG).
Duchy Hospital in Truro, is proud to announce the opening of its brand-new, purpose-built imaging centre, bringing state-of-the-art diagnostic technology to the region. At the heart of the new facility is a cutting-edge static MRI scanner, designed to deliver faster, more comfortable, and clinically advanced imaging for patients across Cornwall and beyond.
Duchy Hospital in Truro has unveiled its new, state-of-the-art Cardiac Catheter Laboratory (Cath Lab), following a £1.4 million investment aimed at transforming cardiac care across Cornwall and the South West.
The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material, contained on this website is for educational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
No warranty or guarantee is made that the information contained on this website is complete or accurate in every respect. The testimonials, statements, and opinions presented on our website are applicable to the individuals depicted. Results will vary and may not be representative of the experience of others. Prior patient results are only provided as examples of what may be achievable. Individual results will vary and no guarantee is stated or implied by any photo use or any statement on this website.
Ramsay is a trusted provider of plastic or reconstructive surgery treatments as a part of our wrap-around holistic patient care. Our personal, friendly and professional team are here to support you throughout to ensure the best possible care. All procedures we perform are clinically justified.
*Acceptance is subject to status. Terms and conditions apply. Ramsay Health Care UK Operations Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct authority under FRN 702886. Ramsay Healthcare UK Operations is acting as a credit broker to Chrysalis Finance Limited.
Ramsay Health Care UK is not currently recruiting for any roles based outside of England. If you are interested in applying for a role with Ramsay Health Care UK, please note that all available positions are advertised exclusively on our official website: https://www.ramsayhealth.co.uk/careers. Be cautious of individuals or organisations that approach you directly for remotely-based roles. Always verify the authenticity of the job offer and be careful with whom you share your personal information. For more information and advice on employment fraud, please visit: https://www.ramsayhealth.co.uk/careers/recruitment-fraud