The more serious complications are rare but include:

Death – up to 1 in 500 although this is much more likely in an emergency situation rather than a planned procedure.

Stroke – less than 1 in 500.

Damage to a major coronary artery causing it to suddenly narrow or block – less than 1 in 500. This could cause heart attack and may require treatment with an emergency coronary artery bypass operation.

Other complications include:

Damage to the artery in the leg or arm where the tubes are inserted – less than 1 in 100. This could lead to excessive bleeding or blockage but may require an operation to correct. In extreme circumstance, it could lead to a loss of limb, but generally bruising and occasionally blood transfusion is all that is required.

Damage to the heart muscle supplied by the artery being treated. This can be caused by closure of small branch vessels or the release of blood clot or debris. This may occur to some extent in many cases but it rarely causes any long term consequences.

Development of an abnormal heart rhythm – less than 1 in 500. In rare circumstances this may lead to loss of consciousness and treatment maybe necessary with drugs or electric shock.

Perforation (making a hole) in one of the heart chambers or heart arteries leading to a collection of blood around the heart – less than 1 in 1000. This may require drainage via a tube placed below the breastbone or with an operation.

Damage to the kidneys. The contrast dye used to visualise the heart arteries can cause kidney function to deteriorate. This is most likely in patients who have abnormal kidney function before the procedure. It is usually an irreversible problem that will resolve with time.

An allergic reaction to the contrast dye used to take x-ray pictures of the heart chambers and coronary arteries. This may cause nausea or a skin rash but symptoms usually resolve without further action.

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