Coronary arteriography 1984-1987: a report of the Registry of the Society for Cardiac Angiography and Interventions. II. An analysis of 218 deaths related to coronary arteriography.

In a 42-month period, 218 deaths occurred in 222, 553 patients undergoing coronary arteriography (0.098%). Age > 60 years, NYHA Class IV function, presence of left main coronary disease, and ejection fraction < 30% all significantly increased the risk of the procedure. Sex and approach (brachial or femoral) used for the catheterization did not affect mortality. Since the SCAI report in 1982, the death rate has dropped significantly in high-risk patients. Low-risk patients (NYHA Class I or normal coronary arteries) who died generally were elderly or had associated valvular heart disease.