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Anti-inflammatory

Anti-inflammatory, or antiinflammatory, refers to the property of a substance or treatment that reduces inflammation or swelling. Anti-inflammatory drugs make up about half of analgesics, remedying pain by reducing inflammation as opposed to opioids, which affect the central nervous system to block pain signaling to the brain.

Some common examples of Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. On the other hand, there are analgesics that are commonly associated with anti-inflammatory drugs but that have no anti-inflammatory effects. An example is paracetamol (known as acetaminophen or Tylenol in the U.S).

Anti-inflammatory foods Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances that affect the body in variety of ways, also regulating inflammatory mediation. An anti-flammatory diet includes fewer foods that create inflammation-causing prostaglandins in the body, and more foods that create anti-inflammatory prostaglandins.

Suggested diets to reduce inflammation include those rich in vegetables and low in simple carbohydrates, and fats such as saturated fats and trans fats. Anti-inflammatory foods include most colorful fruits and vegetables, oily fish (which contain higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids), nuts, seeds, and certain spices, such as ginger, garlic and cayenne. Extra-virgin olive oil contains the chemical oleocanthal that acts similarly to ibuprofen. Those following an anti-inflammatory diet will avoid refined oils and sugars, and show a preference for so-called anti-inflammatory foods in their meal choices.

Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to disrupt inflammation cell. This benefit however can be inhibited or even reversed if the ratio of Omega-6/Omega-3 is too high as Omega-6 serves as a precursor to inflammatory chemicals in the body. A high proportion of omega-6 to omega-3 fat in the diet shifts the physiological state in the tissues toward the pathogenesis of many diseases: prothrombotic, proinflammatory and proconstrictive.

Omega-6 competes with Omega-3 for the same rate limiting factor which is required for the health-benefits of Omega-3, directly reducing the action of Omega-3 in addition to pharmacologically counteracting Omega-3 benefits through its own action as a pro-inflammatory agent.

Source: Wikipedia.

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Mindfulness and Your Health

Mindfulness can be useful to assist people with pain and a range of conditions and life issues that were initially difficult to treat in a hospital setting. Is possible to use a combination of mindfulness meditation, body awareness, and yoga to help people become more mindful. In recent years, meditation has been the subject of controlled clinical research. This suggests it may have beneficial effects, including stress reduction, relaxation, and improvements to quality of life, but that it does not help prevent or cure disease.

Mindfulness is useful for a range of health problems including anxiety disorder, mood disorder, substance abuse disorder, eating disorders, chronic pain, ADHD, insomnia, coping with medical conditions, with many populations including children, adolescents, parents, teachers, therapists, and physicians.

Research suggests mindfulness training improves focus, attention, and ability to work under stress.

Source: Wikipedia.

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Thyroid Gland

The thyroid gland, or simply the thyroid, is an endocrine gland in the neck, consisting of two lobes connected by an isthmus. It is found at the front of the neck, below the Adam’s apple.

The thyroid gland secretes thyroid hormones, which primarily influence the metabolic rate and protein synthesis. The hormones also have many other effects including those on development.

The thyroid may be affected by several diseases. Hyperthyroidism occurs when the gland produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormones, the most common cause being Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder. In contrast, hypothyroidism is a state of insufficient thyroid hormone production. Worldwide, the most common cause is iodine deficiency.

Thyroid hormones are important for development, and hypothyroidism secondary to iodine deficiency remains the leading cause of preventable intellectual disability. In iodine-sufficient regions, the most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, also an autoimmune disorder. In addition, the thyroid gland may also develop several types of nodules and cancer.

Source: Wikipedia.

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Ashtma and Allergies

Asthma is a common chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, reversible airflow obstruction, and bronchospasm. Common symptoms include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.

Asthma is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Its diagnosis is usually based on the pattern of symptoms, response to therapy over time, and spirometry. Asthma may also be classified as atopic (extrinsic) or non-atopic (intrinsic).

Treatment of acute symptoms is usually with an inhaled short-acting beta-2 agonist (such as salbutamol) and oral corticosteroids. In very severe cases intravenous corticosteroids, magnesium sulfate and hospitalization maybe required. Symptoms can be prevented by avoiding triggers, such as allergens and irritants, and by the use of inhaled corticosteroids.  The prevalence of asthma has increased significantly since the 1970s. As of 2011, 235–300 million people were affected globally, including about 250,000 deaths.

An allergy is a heightened sensitivity to a foreign substance (called an allergen) that causes the body’s defense system (the immune system) to overreact when defending itself. The severity of an allergic reaction can vary from mild discomfort to life threatening situations. Allergens can stimulate an immune response when you breathe in or touch the allergen, or by ingestion of food or beverage, or from injections of medication.

Common allergies include eczema, hives, hay fever, and asthma. You can get an allergic reactions from food, pet dander, airborne pollen, and the venom of stinging insects, such as wasps and bees. Treatments for allergies include avoidance, use of anti-histamines, steroids or other medications, and immunotherapy to desensitize the allergic response.

Asthma symptoms can be prevented by avoiding triggers, such as allergens and irritants, and by the use of inhaled corticosteroids.  The prevalence of asthma has increased significantly since the 1970s. As of 2011, 235–300 million people were affected globally, including about 250,000 deaths.

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Kidney Stone Disease

Kidney stone disease, is when a solid piece of material (kidney stone) occurs in the urinary tract. Kidney stones typically form in the kidney and leave the body in the urine stream. A small stone may pass without causing symptoms. If a stone grows to more than 5 millimeters (0.2 in) it can cause blockage of the ureter resulting in severe pain in the lower back or abdomen. A stone may also result in blood in the urine, vomiting, or painful urination. About half of people will have another stone within ten years.

Most stones form due to a combination of genetics and environmental factors. Risk factors include high urine calcium levels, obesity, certain foods, some medications, calcium supplements, hyperparathyroidism, gout and not drinking enough fluids. Stones form in the kidney when minerals in urine are at high concentration. The diagnosis is usually based on symptoms, urine testing, and medical imaging. Blood tests may also be useful.

In those who have had stones, prevention is by drinking fluids such that more than two liters of urine are produced per day.If this is not effective enough, thiazide diuretic, citrate, or allopurinol may be taken. It is recommended that soft drinks containing phosphoric acid (typically colas) be avoided. When a stone causes no symptoms, no treatment is needed. Otherwise pain control is usually the first measure, using medication. Larger stones may be helped to pass with some medication tamsulosin or may require procedures such as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, ureteroscopy, or percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

You should go to your primare care physician if you have an intermittent pain that radiates from the flank to the groin or to the inner thigh. Renal colic caused by kidney stones is commonly accompanied by urinary urgency, restlessness, hematuria, sweating, nausea, and vomiting.

Source Wikipedia.

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What is Osteoporosis and What are the Risk Factors?

Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break. If not prevented or if left untreated, osteoporosis can progress painlessly until a bone breaks. These broken bones, also known as fractures, occur typically in the hip, spine, and wrist.

Any bone can be affected, but of special concern are fractures of the hip and spine. A hip fracture almost always requires hospitalization and major surgery. Spinal or vertebral fractures also have serious consequences, including loss of height, severe back pain, and deformity.

While women are four times more likely than men to develop the disease, men also suffer from osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis affects an estimated 44 million Americans, or 55 percent of the people 50 years of age and older. Ten percent of Hispanic women aged 50 and older are estimated to have osteoporosis, and 49 percent are estimated to have low bone mass. Twenty percent of those affected by osteoporosis are men. Three percent of Hispanic men aged 50 and older are estimated to have osteoporosis, and 23 percent are estimated to have low bone mass. Women with a hip fracture are at a four-fold greater risk of a second one, and the risk factors are similar to those for the first hip fracture.

RISK FACTORS: Factors that increase likelihood of developing osteoporosis and fractures are called “risk factors.” These risk factors include:

• Personal history of fracture after age 50 • Current low bone mass • History of fracture in a 1 relative • Being female • Being thin and/or having a small frame • Advanced age • A family history of osteoporosis • Estrogen deficiency as a result of menopause, especially early or surgically induced • Abnormal absence of menstrual periods (amenorrhea) • Anorexia nervosa • Low lifetime calcium intake • Vitamin D deficiency • Use of certain medications (coricosteroids, chemotherapy, anticonvulsants and others) • Presence of certain chronic medical conditions • Low testosterone levels in men • An inactive lifestyle • Current cigarette smoking • Excessive use of alcohol • Being Caucasian or Asian, although African Americans and Hispanic Americans are at significant risk as well

Women can lose up to 20 percent of their bone mass in the five to seven years following menopause, making them more susceptible to osteoporosis.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE OSTEOPOROSIS? Specialized tests called bone mineral density (BMD) study can measure bone density in various sites of the body. A BMD test can:

• Detect osteoporosis before a fracture occurs • Predict chances of fracturing on the future • Determine rate of bone loss and/or monitor the effects of treatment if a DXA BMD test is conducted at intervals of one year or more

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Tips for the Care of Your Diabetes

Leon Medical Centers’ Diabetes Center can educate you on managing your Diabetes so you too, can live a healthy life with disease. To avoid or delay the complications from Diabetes, you should keep in mind these recommendations:

• Keep your glucose levels within the required range. • Follow a healthy nutritional regimen and an exercise routine. • Take medication as prescribed. • Monitor glucose levels regularly. • Be aware on how to take immediate action with health-related complications.

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Cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a class of diseases that involve the heart or blood vessels. Cardiovascular disease includes coronary artery diseases such as angina and myocardial infarction (commonly known as a heart attack). Other CVDs include stroke, heart failure, hypertensive heart disease, rheumatic heart disease, cardiomyopathy, heart arrhythmia, congenital heart disease, valvular heart disease, carditis, aortic aneurysms, peripheral artery disease, thromboembolic disease, and venous thrombosis.

The underlying mechanisms vary depending on the disease in question. Coronary artery disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease involve atherosclerosis. This may be caused by high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, lack of exercise, obesity, high blood cholesterol, poor diet, and excessive alcohol consumption, among others. High blood pressure results in 13% of CVD deaths, while tobacco results in 9%, diabetes 6%, lack of exercise 6% and obesity 5%. Rheumatic heart disease may follow untreated strep throat.

It is estimated that 90% of CVD is preventable. Prevention of atherosclerosis involves improving risk factors through: healthy eating, exercise, avoidance of tobacco smoke and limiting alcohol intake. Treating risk factors, such as high blood pressure, blood lipids and diabetes is also beneficial. Treating people who have strep throat with antibiotics can decrease the risk of rheumatic heart disease. The effect of the use of aspirin in people who are otherwise healthy is of unclear benefit.

Prevention

Up to 90% of cardiovascular disease may be preventable if established risk factors are avoided. Currently practiced measures to prevent cardiovascular disease include:

Tobacco cessation and avoidance of second-hand smoke. Smoking cessation reduces risk by about 35%.

A low-fat, low-sugar, high-fiber diet including whole grains and fruit and vegetables.Dietary interventions are effective in reducing cardiovascular risk factors over a year, but the longer term effects of such interventions and their impact on cardiovascular disease events is uncertain.

At least 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) of moderate exercise per week. Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation reduces risk of subsequent cardiovascular events by 26%, but there have been few high quality studies of the benefits of exercise training in people with increased cardiovascular risk but no history of cardiovascular disease.

Limit alcohol consumption to the recommended daily limits. People who moderately consume alcoholic drinks have a 25–30% lower risk of cardiovascular disease. However, people who are genetically predisposed to consume less alcohol have lower rates of cardiovascular disease suggesting that alcohol itself may not be protective. Excessive alcohol intake increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and consumption of alcohol is associated with increased risk of a cardiovascular event in the day following consumption.

Lower blood pressure, if elevated. A 10 mmHg reduction in blood pressure reduces risk by about 20%.

Decrease non-HDL cholesterol. Statin treatment reduces cardiovascular mortality by about 31%.

Decrease body fat if overweight or obese. The effect of weight loss is often difficult to distinguish from dietary change, and evidence on weight reducing diets is limited.[96] In observational studies of people with severe obesity, weight loss following bariatric surgery is associated with a 46% reduction in cardiovascular risk.

Decrease psychosocial stress. This measure may be complicated by imprecise definitions of what constitute psychosocial interventions. Mental stress–induced myocardial ischemia is associated with an increased risk of heart problems in those with previous heart disease. Stress, however, plays a relatively minor role in hypertension. Specific relaxation therapies are of unclear benefit

Source: Wikipedia.

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B vitamins

B vitamins are a class of water-soluble vitamins that play important roles in cell metabolism. Though these vitamins share similar names, research shows that they are chemically distinct vitamins that often coexist in the same foods. In general, dietary supplements containing all eight are referred to as a vitamin B complex.

B vitamins are found in whole unprocessed foods. Processed carbohydrates such as sugar and white flour tend to have lower B vitamin than their unprocessed counterparts. For this reason, it is required by law in many countries (including the United States) that the B vitamins thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and folic acid be added back to white flour after processing. This is sometimes called “Enriched Flour” on food labels. B vitamins are particularly concentrated in meat such as turkey, tuna and liver. Good sources for B vitamins include legumes (pulses or beans), whole grains, potatoes, bananas, chili peppers, tempeh, nutritional yeast, brewer’s yeast, and molasses.

A popular way of increasing one’s vitamin B intake is through the use of dietary supplements. Because they are soluble in water, excess B vitamins are generally readily excreted, although individual absorption, use and metabolism may vary.

The elderly and athletes may need to supplement their intake of B12 and other B vitamins due to problems in absorption and increased needs for energy production. In cases of severe deficiency, B vitamins, especially B12, may also be delivered by injection to reverse deficiencies. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetics may also be advised to supplement thiamine based on high prevalence of low plasma thiamine concentration and increased thiamine clearance associated with diabetes. Also, Vitamin B9 (folic acid) deficiency in early embryo development has been linked to neural tube defects. Thus, women planning to become pregnant are usually encouraged to increase daily dietary folic acid intake and/or take a supplement.

Source: Wikipedia.

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Having Trouble Sleeping?

Insomnia occurs when you have trouble falling asleep, stay asleep, or wake up too early. As a result the older adult can fell tired during daytime. This sleep disorder occurs more frequently after age 70.  Some causes of insomnia are transitory, and you don’t have to be worried. Other causes, like depression, alcohol use, medication side effects, medical illness, and loss of some familiar o friend, deserves a more close attention.

A research founded that keeping a regular daily routine helps to avoid insomnia. Meanwhile, Senior Citizen Guide gives some tips to get a good night of sleep:

You can often sleep better by making simple changes to your sleep habits. These are some of the tips that can help improve your sleep:

Try to go to bed and wake up at the same times every day.

Try to enjoy some bright sunlight in the afternoon and evening. Even if you are inside, open the curtains or blinds to let in a lot of light. The key is for your eyes to see the light. Your skin does not need to be exposed to the sunlight. Your eyes send the signals that your brain uses to set your body clock.

If you take a nap during the day, try to sleep for less than an hour. Your naps should also occur before 3 p.m. Napping longer or later may cause you to have a hard time falling asleep at night.

You should not have any alcohol within six hours of your bedtime, and you should not have any caffeine after lunch.

Other studies highlight that “sleep quality” is more important that the amount of sleep. So, take this advise and get a daily routine to gain a good, restorative sleeping. That will improve your health and your life.

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How to Reduce Your Diabetes Symptoms

Leon Medical Centers’ Diabetes Center can educate you on managing your Diabetes so you too, can live a healthy life with disease.

To avoid or delay the complications from Diabetes, you should keep in mind these recommendations:

Keep your glucose levels within the required range.

Follow a healthy nutritional regimen and an exercise routine.

Take medication as prescribed.

Monitor glucose levels regularly.

Be aware on how to take immediate action with health-related complications.

Your doctor is your main resource for getting the care you need to live well with diabetes. Your treatment may include:

Medication: Whether or not you need medication to help treat your diabetes depends on your symptoms, complications, blood sugar, and other issues.

Lifestyle changes: these may include dietary changes, losing extra weight, and becoming more active.

Dietary changes: there is no strict diet to follow: rather you need to be watching the blood sugar levels. discussing the food you eat with your dietician will help you. Stick with whole what grains and include lean proteins such as chicken, turkey or beans in your diet. Lower calorie food is a healthier option than those that have high fat, sugar and salt content.

Excercise: has a lots of benefits. It improves your blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol. It lowers your risk for heart disease and stroke. It helps you to lose and mantain a healthy weight, gives you energy and keeps your joints flexible. Your goal should be a minimum of 30 minutes at least five days a week. Star with small excercise goals like a brisk ten minute walk, taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Pick an activity you like, whether that’s wimming, tennis, dancing or golfing, so that you’ll want to stick with it.

Monitoring your blood sugar: your doctor can order a monitor and you can be taught how to monitor your blood sugar and show you what to do to avoid high and lows.

It’s also important to know some of the common signs:

– Nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy) often affects the feet and legs of people with diabetes. Symptoms can include numbness, tingling, burning cuts or sores that heal very slowly, and erectile dysfunction or vaginal dryness. – Eye problems (diabetic retinopathy) can result from damage to small blood vessels inthe retina. Signs may include sudden vision loss, blurry vision, eye pain or pressure and spots before the eyes. – Kidney damage (diabetic nephropathy) is a complication that can lead to the need for dialysis or a kidney transplant. To rule our kidney damage, have your doctor check your blood pressure two to four times a year and your urine protein (microalbumin) at least once a year. – Heart disease and stroke are more likely if you have diabetes. The risks go up even higher if you smoke, are overweight, have high blood pressure, or have a family history of heart disease. Talk to your doctor about your risks for heart disease or stroke.

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The League Against Cancer and Leon Medical Centers Hosted the 8th Annual “Silvia and Benjamin Leon Jr. Walkathon” Benefiting The League Against Cancer

Leon Medical Centers’ employees join together with the community as all participate in support of this worthy cause.

The League Against Cancer, a well-known local non-for-profit institution that provides medical care at no cost for cancer patients lacking the necessary financial resources, a few days ago announced the “SILVIA AND BENJAMÍN LEÓN JR. WALKATHON” which benefits the League Against Cancer. This walkathon took place in the City of Hialeah for the fourth year in a row on Sunday, March 4, 2018, at 8:30 am.

During the 2017 Telethon, The League Against Cancer raised $5.1 million from the state, businesses, families and individuals who supported the efforts of this local organization who is committed to help all persons in our community who are stricken with this terrible disease.

Leon Medical Centers alone, donated $1 million dollars for the fourth consecutive year in a row.

Silvia and Benjamin Leon, both cancer survivors, have made this event a personal and company priority. Over the past seven years, due to the efforts of Leon Medical Centers and its employees, over $6,000,000 has been raised.

“I am extremely proud of the commitment that Leon Medical Centers and Leon Medical Centers Health Plans’ employees have made, not only for the health and well-being of every patient they care for on a daily basis, but for the entire community,” said Benjamín León, Jr., Founder, Leon Medical Centers.

The 2018 “SILVIA AND BENJAMÍN LEÓN JR. WALKATHON” took place on Sunday, March 4th, at 8:30 AM and started at Milander Auditorium located at 4800 Palm Avenue and ended at Leon Medical Center’s East Hialeah center, 425 East 25th Street en Hialeah.

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Healthy Tips: Barbecued Meat, Cell Phones and Smiles

Fried or barbecued meat and its relation to renal cancer

The way we cook meat may increase the risk of suffering from renal cancer based on a study conducted by Dr. Xifeng Wu, a professor at the MD Anderson Oncology Center’s Department of Epidemiology, University of Texas at Houston. As per this investigation, cooking meat at high temperatures, as in frying pans and barbecues, causes the release of carcinogenic substances, and some of these are linked to renal cancer. Avoid burnt or charred meat by reducing the time you cook it at high temperatures, and limit its intake as much as possible.

Cell phone use and depression

Researchers at Chicago’s Northwestern University suggest that the longer the hours a person uses his cell phone, the higher the likelihood of depression… this is especially true for elderly women, who scored higher in this study.

Smile more… and you’ll feel better!

When you smile, your body releases endorphins and serotonins. Both are vital for feeling less stressed and being in a good mood. A straight face is more likely rejected or ignored by those around us. New York University researchers say facial expressions influence how others perceive us. Try to smile, even if you are not really up to it, and you’ll note your mood improves instantly. Try it, no charge.

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Your Psychological Wellbeing When You Go Shopping

A study conducted by the Institute of Health Population Sciences at the National University of Taiwan showed that people over 65 who go shopping tend to live longer. The reason? Going shopping is sort of like getting psychological therapy.

While walking on the mall looking for your favorite stores, you do good physical exercise, as you delight at watching colorful neon signs and seasonal decoration, you feel happy, and as you chat with store clerks and other shoppers, you enjoy a positive social interaction.

In addition to this, you are happy because you got some nice items at a good price, especially if the surprises are for your grandchildren!

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Strengthen your legs and your mind!

A study done in the United Kingdom showed that strong legs are associated with healthier cerebral aging.

Researchers found that having strong legs contributes to improving mental skills and suffering less from age-related cerebral changes. So, if you want to keep your mind “in shape”…. Walk!

When you exercise your legs, you are also exercising your body, and there is the release of hormones that help promote nerve cell growth.

Even though there is still the need for other studies to find out more about the potential link between strong legs and a healthy brain, it is an open secret that physical activity improves blood circulation, strengthens immunity and nerve signals.

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Asthma and Allergies

Asthma

Asthma is a common chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, reversible airflow obstruction, and bronchospasm. Common symptoms include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.

Asthma is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Its diagnosis is usually based on the pattern of symptoms, response to therapy over time, and spirometry. Asthma may also be classified as atopic (extrinsic) or non-atopic (intrinsic).

Treatment of acute symptoms is usually with an inhaled short-acting beta-2 agonist (such as salbutamol) and oral corticosteroids. In very severe cases intravenous corticosteroids, magnesium sulfate and hospitalization maybe required. Symptoms can be prevented by avoiding triggers, such as allergens and irritants, and by the use of inhaled corticosteroids.  The prevalence of asthma has increased significantly since the 1970s. As of 2011, 235–300 million people were affected globally, including about 250,000 deaths.

Allergies

An allergy is a hypersensitivity disorder of the immune system. Allergic reactions occur when a person’s immune system reacts to normally harmless substances in the environment. A substance that causes a reaction is called an allergen. These reactions are acquired, predictable, and rapid. This reaction results in an inflammatory response which can range from uncomfortable to dangerous.

Mild allergies like hay fever are very common in the human population and cause symptoms such as red eyes, itchiness, and runny nose, eczema,hives, or an asthma attack. Allergies can play a major role in conditions such as asthma. In some people, severe allergies to environmental or dietary allergens or to medication may result in life-threatening reactions called anaphylaxis. Food allergies, and reactions to the venom of stinging insects such as wasps and bees are often associated with these severe reactions.

A variety of tests exist to diagnose allergic conditions. If done they should be ordered and interpreted in light of a person’s history of exposure as many positive test results do not mean a clinically significant allergy. Tests include placing possible allergens on the skin and looking for a reaction such as swelling and blood tests to look for an allergen-specific IgE.

Treatments for allergies include avoiding known allergens, steroids that modify the immune system in general, and medications such as antihistamines and decongestants which reduce symptoms. Many of these medications are taken by mouth, although epinephrine, which is used to treat anaphylactic reactions, is injected. Immunotherapy uses injected allergens to desensitize the body’s response.

Source: Wikipedia.

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What is Catheterization?

Cardiac catheterization (heart cath) is the insertion of a catheter into a chamber or vessel of the heart. This is done both for diagnostic and interventional purposes. Subsets of this technique are mainly coronary catheterization, involving the catheterization of the coronary arteries, and catheterization of cardiac chambers and valves of the cardiac system.

Procedures can be diagnostic or therapeutic. For example, coronary angiography is a diagnostic procedure that allows the interventional cardiologist to visualize the coronary vessels. Percutaneous coronary intervention, however, involves the use of mechanical stents to increase blood flow to previously blocked (or occluded) vessels.

Other common diagnostic procedures include measuring pressures throughout the four chambers of the heart and evaluating pressure differences across the major heart valves. Interventional cardiologists can also use cardiac catheterization to estimate the cardiac output, the amount of blood pumped by the heart per minute. Cardiac catheterization can be used as part of a therapeutic regimen to improve outcomes for survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

The patient being examined or treated is usually awake during catheterization, ideally with only local anesthesia such as lidocaine and minimal general sedation, throughout the procedure.

Source: Wikipedia.

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