Right Heart Catheterization
What Is Right Heart Catheterization?
Right heart catheterization (RHC) is a unique approach to evaluating and diagnosing a range of heart conditions. We conduct this diagnostic in the catheterization lab, with the patient lying down on the table in a resting pose. The results will provide information on how well the heart is functioning, including blood pressure and oxygen levels.
A full diagnostic procedure will involve several steps, including:
- Local anesthetic injection to improve comfort
- Insertion of a catheter into the target vein
- Guiding the catheter to the target locations in the heart
- Monitoring blood pressure and blood flow continuously
- In some cases, we may inject a contrast dye to provide enhanced visualization on X-ray (if needed)
Who Needs Right Heart Catheterization?
We evaluate each patient’s case individually, recommending right heart catheterization only when deemed safe and necessary. Some of the main heart concerns it can help detect and evaluate include:
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Heart failure
- Valvular disease
- Congenital heart defects
- Cardiomyopathy
- Cardiogenic shock
Are There Risks?
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please dial 911 immediately.
United Heart Institute
Phone/Fax
Phone: 909.500.8683
Fax: (909) 931-1294
Location
685 North 13th Avenue, Upland
California 91786, United States