Cardiac catheterization is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat heart conditions. During the procedure, a thin, flexible tube (catheter) is inserted into a blood vessel, usually in the groin or arm, and guided to the heart. Through this catheter, doctors can assess heart function, check for blockages in the coronary arteries, and measure blood pressure within the heart. Cardiac catheterization can also be used to perform treatments, such as angioplasty or stent placement, to open blocked arteries. It is commonly used for diagnosing coronary artery disease and other heart conditions.