Cardiac catheterization in Jordan

Cardiac catheterisation is a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure in which a thin flexible tube (catheter) is passed through an artery in the wrist or groin to the coronary arteries. Contrast dye is then injected and the course of the arteries is imaged with X-rays in real time. The aim is to see the site of narrowing or blockage precisely and grade its severity — something non-invasive tests cannot always settle. It is of two kinds: **diagnostic**, limited to imaging in order to define the plan, and **therapeutic (interventional)**, in which the narrowing is dilated with a balloon and a stent is placed to keep the artery open. The choice between them may be made during the same session according to what the images show, which is why both possibilities are explained before consent. Wrist (radial) access has become preferred in many cases because it reduces access-site complications and allows earlier mobilisation than the groin route. The patient is usually awake with light sedation and feels pressure or warmth when the dye is injected rather than sharp pain. If a stent is placed, the single most important determinant of the long-term result is **strict adherence to the antiplatelet medication** prescribed afterwards; stopping it on one’s own can cause stent thrombosis, a dangerous event. Kidney disease, diabetes and contrast allergy must be disclosed beforehand, as they change preparation and preventive measures. Final assessment and timing are set by the cardiologist according to the condition and its stability.