What is a primary use of heart catheterization?

The primary use of heart catheterization is to permit visualization of coronary arteries. This procedure involves threading a thin tube, or catheter, through a blood vessel to the heart, where contrast dye can be injected. This allows healthcare providers to get detailed images of the coronary arteries, helping to identify blockages or abnormalities that may be contributing to heart disease. By visualizing these arteries, clinicians can determine the appropriate course of treatment, which might include medications, lifestyle changes, or surgical interventions.

While measuring blood pressure is indeed one of the things that can be done during heart catheterization, its primary purpose is to visualize the state of the coronary arteries. Calculating heart rate and removing blood for analysis are also standard procedures in cardiac care but are not the main objectives of heart catheterization. The key focus of this technique is on the detailed observation of coronary artery conditions, making the ability to visualize these structures the most significant aspect of the procedure.