Which of the following is an indication for cardiac catheterization?

• A. Coronary artery disease
• B. MI
• C. Suspected valve disease
• D. Assessment for surgical procedures

Answer: (B)

The key idea is using cardiac catheterization for urgent reperfusion in an acute myocardial infarction. When an MI occurs, rapid coronary angiography in the cath lab allows you to identify the culprit vessel and immediately perform a reperfusion strategy (percutaneous coronary intervention) to restore blood flow. This quick, decisive action reduces infarct size and improves survival, which is why MI is the strongest indication in this scenario.

Coronary artery disease by itself is a diagnosis and may lead to catheterization to plan revascularization, but it isn’t the immediate reason to perform cath in the acute setting. Suspected valve disease is usually evaluated first with noninvasive imaging like echocardiography; catheterization is used when precise hemodynamic assessment or preoperative planning is needed. Assessment for surgical procedures can necessitate cath to map coronary arteries before bypass or valve surgery, but the urgent, time-sensitive indication in this context is an acute MI requiring reperfusion.