1. Cardiac Catheterization Instructions
What is Catheterization?
Catheterization is a procedure performed to evaluate for blockage in your heart arteries or pressures inside your heart that could be responsible for your symptoms or abnormal stress tests.
2. Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) Placement
How does an ICD work?
An ICD (implantable cardioverter defibrillator) is a small device that corrects your heart rhythm. An ICD has a pulse generator that is implanted in your body, and one or more leads (wires) that are threaded into your heart.
3. Pacemaker Instructions
What is a pacemaker?
A pacemaker is a small device that corrects your heart rhythm. Your heart’s natural pacemaker is called the sinus node — a cluster of cells that sends electrical impulses to make the heart beat. If the sinus node doesn’t work properly, an artificial pacemaker can keep your heart beating at the right pace.
4. TILT-Table Test
What is a tilt-table test?
If you often feel faint or lightheaded, your doctor may use a tilt-table test to find out why. During the test, you lie on a table that is slowly tilted upward. The test measures how your blood pressure and heart rate respond to the force of gravity. A nurse or technician keeps track of your blood pressure and your heart rate (pulse) to see how they change during the test.