[Xplain]

This procedure is safe. There are, however, several possible risks and complications. These are very unlikely, but possible. You need to know about them just in case they happen. By being informed, you may be able to help your doctor detect complications early.

This document is a summary of what appears on screen in X-Plain. It is for informational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for the advice
of a doctor or healthcare professional or a recommendation for any particular treatment plan. Like any printed material, it may become out of date over
time. It is important that you rely on the advice of a doctor or a healthcare professional for your specific condition.

The angioplasty may not succeed in relieving the blockage. Even if relieved, the blockage could happen again, or the stent could get moved out of position. This could cause a heart attack.
X-rays are used during this procedure. The amount of radiation during this test is deemed safe. However, this same amount could be dangerous for unborn children. It is therefore very important to make sure you are not pregnant before you have an elective radiological test. Pregnancy tests can be performed when in doubt.
The coronary angiogram can, rarely, lead to a heart attack, requiring an unforeseen angioplasty or even an open-heart surgery. Rarely, the catheter placed in the artery can injure that artery or other arteries of the body. This may cause decreased blood flow to the leg or arm involved, which may require an operation to reestablish blood flow.
The insertion can also cause injury to a nerve in the leg or arm, depending on where the initial puncture was done. Some people have allergies to the iodine dye used in this test.
Make sure to tell your doctor about your allergies and about any past reactions you have had to any type of dye used on you in the past. In some people, dye can cause kidney failure. Let your doctor know if you have a kidney problem. You might be at a somewhat higher risk.
Kidney failure is more likely in patients taking glucophage, a diabetes medication. It is important that you inform your doctors about all the medications you are taking. Having a lot of water or fluids will help in excreting the dye faster from the circulation.