Left heart catheterization

Left heart catheterization is a medical procedure used to examine the heart's left side, specifically the left atrium and left ventricle. During the procedure, a thin tube called a catheter is inserted through a blood vessel, often in the arm or groin, and guided to the heart. This allows doctors to measure pressures, assess blood flow, and take images of the heart’s structures. It's commonly used to diagnose conditions like coronary artery disease or heart valve problems. While it involves some risks, it provides valuable information for guiding treatment decisions.