A cardiac catheterization may be performed if a cardiologist suspects that a patient has heart disease or a heart defect. During the procedure a long, narrow tube, or catheter, is inserted into a patient's vein or artery within his neck, arm or groin. The catheter is then pushed through the blood vessel into the heart. Typically, a dye that helps the cardiologist view the heart is injected into the catheter. Patients who have questions regarding the potential risks of cardiac catheterization should consult a doctor for additional information.
Arrhythmia
Cardiac catheterization increases a patient's risk of developing heart rate irregularities--a condition called arrhythmia, the Cleveland Clinic reports. Heart rate changes can lead to blood pressure alterations, which may cause patients to experience sensations of dizziness or chest discomfort.
Blood Vessel Injury
While the catheter is pushed though a patient's blood vessel, it can inadvertently injure, scrape or damage the interior walls of the vessels, the National Heart Lung Blood Institute explains. Blood vessel damage is typically minor and can be immediately repaired. Affected patients may experience a temporary decrease in blood pressure, which can cause sensations of light-headedness or nausea.
Allergic Reaction
Infrequently, patients can experience a severe allergic reaction to the dye used to visualize the heart, the Cleveland Clinic warns. Affected patients can develop hives, facial swelling, breathing difficulties or heart irregularities. Prompt medical care is necessary to control allergic reaction symptoms and limit the development of additional complications.
Kidney Damage
One of the major functions of the kidneys is to filter waste and toxins from a person's blood. After undergoing cardiac catheterization, a patient's kidneys will filter the catheter-injected dye from the body. This dye can cause permanent kidney damage in certain patients, especially those with diabetes, MedlinePlus reports. Depending upon the extent of kidney damage sustained, patients may develop poor kidney function or blood pressure alterations.
Infection or Bleeding
Infection or bleeding are risks of cardiac catheterization. A patient can experience unusual or excessive bleeding from the site of catheter insertion due to blood vessel damage, MayoClinic.com explains. If this occurs, affected patients may develop insertion-site bruising or infection. An infection can cause patients to experience pain, inflammation or unusual drainage from the catheter insertion site. Additional antibiotic treatment or medical intervention may be necessary to resolve bleeding or infection complications.
Blood Clots, Heart Attack or Stroke
Patients who have cardiac catheterization are at an increased risk of developing blood clots or experiencing a heart attack or stroke. These complications are very rare, but can be fatal, the National Heart Lung Blood Institute warns. All patients should be aware of these major risks of cardiac catheterization before having this diagnostic test performed.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Cardiac Catheterization - Risks
- Cleveland Clinic: Cardiac Catheterization - What are the possible risks?
- MedlinePlus: Cardiac Catheterization - Risks
- American Heart Association: Cardiac Catheterization
- National Heart Lung Blood Institute: What Are the Risks of Cardiac Catheterization?
