 Cardiac catheterization is a procedure performed to diagnose and treat certain cardiovascular conditions. Pre procedure, you are asked to empty your bladder and undergo routine blood tests and necessary scans. The doctor may ask you to stop certain medications before the procedure. Patients are typically awake during cardiac catheterization but are given medications to relax. During the procedure, a long thin tube called a catheter is inserted in an artery in your groin, neck or arm and threaded through your blood vessels to your heart. Using this catheter, doctors can perform diagnostic tests. Some heart disease treatments such as coronary angioplasty and coronary stentning also are done using cardiac catheterization. Using the catheter is not painful and once the diagnosis or treatment is completed, the catheter is removed. Post procedure, you may remain in a recovery room till the anesthesia wears off. The length of your stay in the hospital may vary between 1 to 7 days depending on the diagnosis or procedure performed.