Although cardiac catheterization is not a surgical procedure, to some patients it definitely says "possible surgery." The procedure involves his heart, which is a frightening thought to many patients, and during it he will be awake and fully conscious. Since many catheterizations are done in preparation for surgery, the pati nt must be well prepared emotionlly if the test is to produce complete and accurate results. For example, poor quality angiograms can be produced when a patient is so anxious