Healthy Living

Search Healthy Living

Go Advanced Search
Heart Health

Risks and Complications of Angiography

Angiography is safe. But any procedure has risks and possible complications. Before you have any procedure, you should understand the possible risks. Below are the common risks for angiography. The risks will vary depending on the area that your angiography is studying. Your healthcare provider can discuss the risks and complications of your procedure with you in detail.

Doctor and patient

Possible Risks and Complications

The risks and possible complications for your procedure include the boxes checked below:

Image of bock  Bleeding or bruising at the insertion site

Image of bock  Tearing or cracking of the artery lining

Image of bock  Blood clots

Image of bock  Infection

Image of bock  Stroke

Image of bock  Heart attack, stroke, or death (very rare)

Image of bock  Allergic reaction or kidney problems from the contrast medium (dye)

Image of bock  The need for emergency cardiac surgery (very rare)

Image of bock  Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)

Image of bock   Image

Image of bock   Image

Image of bock   Image

Be Sure to Tell Your Doctor:

  • About any medications you take. Include herbs, supplements, or over-the-counter medications.

  • If you are allergic to iodine, shellfish, or any medications. The x-ray dye used during the procedure contains iodine. If needed, you will be given medication to help prevent an allergic reaction.

  • If you are pregnant or think you could be pregnant. The procedure may need to be postponed until after the baby is born.

Online Source: Radiological Society of North America, Inc. http://www.radiologyinfo.org/content/catheter-angio.htm
Online Medical Reviewer: Braunstein, Joel MD
Date Last Reviewed: 1/15/2007
Date Last Modified: 12/4/2005