What is the main goal of a heart catheterization?

The primary objective of heart catheterization is to visualize the coronary arteries. This procedure involves inserting a thin, flexible tube called a catheter into a blood vessel, typically through the groin or wrist, and guiding it to the heart. Once the catheter is in place, a contrast dye is injected, allowing for detailed imaging of the coronary arteries through X-ray technology.

This visualization helps healthcare providers identify any blockages, narrowing, or other abnormalities in the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. It is a crucial tool in diagnosing and assessing conditions such as coronary artery disease, which can lead to heart attacks if left untreated.

The other options listed—measuring stress levels, assessing lung function, and measuring cholesterol levels—are not directly related to the purpose of heart catheterization. These involve different procedures and tests that serve distinct diagnostic purposes.