Cardiac Catheterization Library
3rd Flr., Podium Building, The Medical City, Ortigas Ave. Pasig City
Operating Hours: Mon – Sat / 8 AM – 5 PM
8-988-1000/8-988-7000 ext. 6278/6320
PATIENT SERVICES
Right Heart Catheterization Services
What is Right Heart Catheterization?
Right heart catheterization is a medical procedure used to evaluate the function and pressures within the right side of the heart and the blood vessels connected to it. During the procedure, a thin, flexible catheter is inserted into a vein, typically in the arm or neck, and guided through the bloodstream until it reaches the right side of the heart.
Who Can Benefit from It?
Right heart catheterization can be beneficial for a broad range of patients. Generally, it is used to diagnose and manage some types of pulmonary hypertension, as well as right-sided heart failure and certain congenital heart defects or valve diseases, such as tricuspid regurgitation. The test is also used to assess the response to various therapies that are used to treat these conditions. In some cases, right heart catheterization may be recommended for patients who are considering certain types of cardiac surgery.
In addition, this procedure can also help diagnose and monitor the effects of various medications or treatments in a variety of clinical settings. For instance, if a patient is being treated for congestive heart failure with diuretics (water pills), a right heart catheterization test may be ordered to monitor the effect of the medication.
How Does the Procedure Work?
Right heart catheterization, the doctor inserts a thin flexible tube (catheter) into a vein in the arm or neck and guides it through the blood vessels to reach the right side of the heart. Once there, pressure readings from the right side of the heart are taken to assess various cardiac parameters.
Right heart catheterization is a different procedure than left heart catheterization, even though the goals of both tests are similar. Left heart catheterization is a procedure that allows doctors to measure pressure and analyze blood flow in the left side of the heart, as well as perform angiograms (X-ray images) of different parts of the cardiovascular system. The test provides important information about the heart's chambers and how blood is flowing through them. Ultimately, this information can be used to diagnose various cardiac conditions and guide treatment decisions.
Right heart catheterization can provide a more comprehensive assessment of the right side of the heart—including the pressures in its four chambers, as well as specific details about the pulmonary arteries and veins—compared to what is available through a left heart catheterization. Its use in diagnosing and managing cardiovascular conditions that affect the right side of the heart makes it an essential tool for healthcare providers.
What Can You Expect After the Procedure?
Right heart catheterization in the Philippines is generally an outpatient procedure. Most patients can expect to be discharged the same day and are advised to rest for one or two days after the procedure. In some cases, additional tests may need to be completed before the patient is discharged from the hospital.
After leaving the hospital, it is important that patients follow up with their healthcare provider to review the results of the test and discuss treatment options. In most cases, patients can return to their normal activities within a few days after the procedure. Though rare, there can be some risks associated with right heart catheterization, including minor bleeding at the insertion site or an infection.
Consult a Doctor
Right heart catheterization is an important tool for assessing the health of the right side of the heart. If you have a condition that affects the right side of your heart or have been advised to undergo this test by your doctor, it’s important to discuss all available treatment options with them before making any decisions. Your doctor can help you understand the risks and benefits of the procedure, as well as any potential side effects. With their guidance, you can make an informed decision that is best for your health.