What is the primary purpose of a cardiac catheterization?

The primary purpose of cardiac catheterization is to diagnose coronary artery disease. During this procedure, a thin tube (catheter) is inserted into a blood vessel and guided to the heart, allowing physicians to obtain detailed information about the heart's structure and the state of the coronary arteries. This technique can reveal blockages or narrowing in the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle, which is essential for determining appropriate treatment options.

While some cardiac procedures, such as repairing heart valves or implanting pacemakers, may involve catheterization, these interventions are not the primary goals of the procedure. Similarly, heart transplants are complex surgeries that require extensive preparation and do not rely on cardiac catheterization for their main function. Thus, diagnosis of coronary artery disease stands out as the fundamental application of cardiac catheterization.