Heart catheterization is generally considered a safe and serious medical procedure that provides important diagnostic and therapeutic information about the heart. While it is typically low-risk, serious complications are rare but possible. The risk of major complications during diagnostic catheterization is usually less than 1%, with a very low mortality risk around 0.05%.
Common Risks and Complications
- Minor complications include bruising, bleeding, or discomfort at the catheter insertion site.
- Allergic reactions to contrast dye or medications occur but are uncommon.
- Other possible complications include abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias), blood clots, infection, and damage to blood vessels or the heart from the catheter.
Serious but Rare Risks
- Heart attack or stroke during the procedure.
- Significant bleeding, including retroperitoneal bleeding.
- Kidney damage caused by contrast dye, especially in patients with preexisting kidney issues.
- Rare artery damage affecting blood supply to limbs.
- Death is very rare but possible, especially in patients with serious underlying heart conditions.
Patient Factors Affecting Seriousness
- Higher risk in infants, elderly over 80, and those with severe chronic illnesses or poor heart function.
- People with allergies, kidney disease, bleeding disorders, or previous reactions may have increased risk.
- Operator experience and access site (radial wrist access is safer than femoral groin access) influence complication rates.
In summary, heart catheterization is a serious but generally safe procedure critical for diagnosing and treating heart conditions. Potential risks should be discussed individually with a cardiologist, weighing the procedure's benefits against possible complications.
