BACKGROUND: Invasive cardiac procedures expose patients and physicians to the risks of ionizing radiation. The aim of this study is to determine the impact of body weight on radiation exposure during cardiac procedures. METHODS: Prospective cohort study including patients undergoing cardiac catheterization or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) between August 2010 and December 2011. Clinical, angiographic and radiation exposure characteristics were recorded in a dedicated database. Patterns of radiation exposure were established in three groups: A (< 79 kg), B (80-99 kg) and C (> 100 kg). Data were analyzed by SPSS version 18.0 and results were shown as mean, standard deviation, percentage, percentile and interquartile interval. Independent predictors of increased radiation exposure were identified by multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Sample included 671 patients, of which 363 in group A, 252 in group B and 56 in group C. Mean dose of radiation exposure was 484.29 mGy, 735.69 mGy and 900.36 mGy for groups A, B and C, respectively (P < 0.001). The median dose area product was 29.327 mGy.cm², 43.319 mGy.cm² and 57.987 mGy.cm² for groups A, B and C, respectively (P < 0.001). Predictors of increased radiation exposure were weight [odds ratio (OR) 1.03, confidence interval (CI) 1.01-1.05; P = 0.003], elective PCI (OR 11.9, CI 4.26-33.24; P < 0.001) and ad hoc PCI (OR 15.46, CI 5.44-43.87; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patient weight has a significant impact on radiation exposure during invasive cardiac procedures. Overweight patients are significantly more exposed to higher doses of ionizing radiation.
Heart catheterization; Body weight; Radiation, ionizing; Radiation exposure
