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Question:
Will a right heart cath give my doctor information about my breathing issues?
My oxygen levels drop upon exertion. After having many other heart related tests, doctors are recommending a right heart catheterization. Is this safe and will it give the doctors more information about breathing issues? I have previously had two left heart caths along with a heart MRI, echoes, and EKG's.
submitted by Nancy from Charlotte, North Carolina on 9/10/2012
Answer:
by Texas Heart Institute cardiologist, Neil E. Strickman, MD
The drop in oxygen saturation is either heart or lung related. An echocardiogram should help more than a heart cath. A chest CT scan and chest x-ray may also help. Good luck!
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Updated September 2012
