What the risks are:

Occasionally abnormal cardiac rhythm can develop during the procedure. The doctors will monitor your heart and can treat any abnormal rhythms that develop.

Other risks include:

• Allergic reaction to the contrast dye
• Blood vessel damage
• Blood clot traveling to the lungs, causing an embolism
• Excessive bleeding or blood clot, which can reduce blood flow to the leg

There is low radiation exposure. X-rays are monitored and regulated to provide the minimum amount of radiation exposure needed to produce the image. Most experts feel that the risk is low compared with the benefits.

Pregnant women and children are more sensitive to the risks of x-rays.