[Cardiac radiological investigations: what risks for the patients?]

The volume of diagnostic or therapeutic procedures in cardiology requiring the use of ionizing radiation is continuously increasing. While most examinations involve doses relatively low and thus add a low risk to the process itself, there are situations where the doses exceed the dose where excess risk of death from cancer has been statistically demonstrated. In addition, some complex procedures can result in the emergence of deterministic effects such as burns to the skin. The aim of this contribution is to provide general practitioners with the tools required to exercise the justification of the procedure with regard to the radiation hazard involved. This information may also be useful in the framework of the informed consent of the patient.