Complications of cardiac catheterization, coronary angiography, and coronary interventions.

Cardiac catheterization and coronary angiography have evolved, especially after the advent of percutaneous coronary interventions. Although older patients with more advanced disease are being studied, the overall rate of complications has not dramatically increased and the spectrum of complications has somewhat changed to select the more acute nature of the procedures performed. Careful prophylactic measures such as anticoagulation, ischemia prevention, blood pressure control, hydration as well as the availability of defibrillation and pharmacologic and mechanical means of circulatory support have helped minimize these complications and improve outcome.