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
• Damage to the blood vessel as the needle and catheter are inserted
• Blood clot traveling to the lungs, causing an embolism
• Excessive bleeding or a blood clot where the catheter is inserted, which can reduce blood flow to the leg
• Heart attack or stroke
• Hematoma (a collection of blood at the site of the needle puncture)
• Injury to the nerves at the puncture site
• Kidney damage from the dye

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.