Understanding Informed Consent (MWHC)

The doctor will obtain the consent for the procedure, which means getting your permission to do it. Any medical procedure is not without its risks.

For a cardiac cath, the most common complications can be bleeding at the site where the catheter is put in, infection, soreness, and pain. A doctor will discuss those risks with you.

The doctor will also tell you about how the procedure may help you. For a cardiac cath, the benefit is that it helps doctors understand more about the health of your heart. Sometimes they’ll put in a stent.

When a stent is placed, it opens up an artery and lets more oxygen reach your heart, which could decrease the shortness of breath or the chest pain you may be having. Either way, getting more oxygen to your heart is always a good thing.

This is another opportunity for you to ask questions. If you can’t think of any, you can always ask: What is my main problem? What do I need to do? And why is it important for me to do this?

If you have any questions at all, please ask. We’re here to help you.