What are the risks of the procedure?

For patients undergoing cardiac catheterization electively, the risk of complications is low. The most common complications include bleeding or discomfort at the site of access, either in the groin or the wrist. Rarely these bleeding complications require a blood transfusion or surgery to fix the artery. Less common, though more dangerous, complications can occur, including stroke, heart attack or even death. You should talk to your doctor about these risks.