If the results of all of these tests show that the patient is having, or is at risk for having a heart attack, the Doctor may recommend a Cardiac Catheterization.  This is when a fine tube is threaded through the arm or leg and into the heart.  An iodine dye is then injected which will reveal if there are any blockages in the coronary arteries and how the heart is functioning.

If an artery appears to be blocked, an angioplasty with stent placement may be performed during the catheterization to unblock the artery or the patient may be referred to a cardiovascular surgeon for a bypass surgery.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor.