Final answer:
The primary reason a cardiac catheterization is performed is to determine blood flow to the heart muscle.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary reason a cardiac catheterization is performed is to determine blood flow to the heart muscle.
During a cardiac catheterization, a specialized catheter is inserted into a superficial vessel, usually in the leg, and directed to the site of a blockage in the coronary artery. A balloon-like tip on the catheter is inflated to compress plaque material and open the vessel to increase blood flow. The procedure may also involve inserting a stent to reinforce the weakened artery walls.
Measuring blood flow to the heart muscle helps assess the severity of any blockages and determines the need for further treatment, such as medication, lifestyle changes, or surgery.