Coronary angiography is generally a safe procedure, yet as an invasive diagnostic method, it carries potential risks and complications. These risks can be categorized into major and minor.
Major complications, though rare, include:
* Mortality: Approximately 1 in 1400 cases (0.07%)
* Stroke: Approximately 1 in 1000 cases (0.1%)
* Coronary artery damage: Approximately 1 in 1000 cases (0.1%)
* Arterial access site complications: Approximately 1 in 500 cases (0.2%)
More frequently observed minor complications are typically temporary and may involve:
* Bleeding or hematoma (blood clot) at the access site
* Pseudoaneurysm
* Cardiac arrhythmias
* Allergic reactions to the contrast dye
* Vagal reactions