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Cardiac catheterization Coronary angiography

Overview Risks Results

Coronary angiography

Alternative Names: Cardiac angiography; Angiography - heart What the risks are: Cardiac catherization carries a slightly increased risk when compared with other heart tests. However, the test is very safe when performed by an experienced team. Text Continues Below Generally the risk of serious complications ranges from 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 500. Risks of the procedure include the following: Cardiac arrhythmias Cardiac tamponade Trauma to the artery caused by hematoma Low blood pressure Reaction to contrast medium Hemorrhage Stroke Heart attack Considerations associated with any type of catheterization include the following: In general, there is a risk of bleeding, infection, and pain at the IV site. There is always a very small risk that the soft plastic catheters could actually damage the blood vessels. Blood clots could form on the catheters and later block blood vessels elsewhere in the body. The contrast material could damage the kidneys (particularly in patients with diabetes). Special considerations: Your health care provider may perform a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to open the blockage of your coronary artery during the procedure.

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