The actual movement of the catheter should be painless and the risk of complications during this procedure is below 1 percent for the most serious complications. Although rare, these risks include:

Patients are encouraged to talk with their cardiologist about all aspects of this test, including complications, alternatives, risks and benefits. Both physicians and the American Heart Association strongly recommend that cardiac catheterization be performed in a hospital’s catheterization lab, where emergency equipment and trained personnel are close by, if necessary.

People are encouraged to speak with their physician if they have any questions or concerns about this very common and minimally invasive technique.