What is the purpose of cardiac catheterization?

The purpose of cardiac catheterization primarily involves visualizing coronary arteries and assessing them for blockages. This procedure allows healthcare providers to gain critical information about the heart's functioning and the state of the coronary arteries. During the catheterization, a thin tube is inserted into the heart's chambers or blood vessels, often using a contrast dye so that X-ray imaging can visualize the blood vessels. This process helps to diagnose various cardiovascular conditions, including coronary artery disease, by identifying areas of blockage or narrowing that may impede blood flow.

Although measuring blood pressure in the heart is a component of cardiac catheterization, it is not the primary purpose; rather, it is one of the many data points gathered during the procedure. Measuring cholesterol levels through blood samples is entirely separate from the catheterization process as it involves a different laboratory test. Performing heart valve repair is also not a function of cardiac catheterization but is typically a surgical procedure, often conducted when significant valve disease is present. Thus, the best representation of the primary goal of cardiac catheterization lies in its ability to visualize the coronary arteries and determine if any significant blockages exist.