Occupational radiation exposure in the electrophysiology laboratory with a focus on personnel with reproductive potential and during pregnancy: A European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) consensus document endorsed by the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS)

In plain language

This EHRA consensus document, endorsed by HRS, reviews radiation risks and international recommendations and legislation for electrophysiology staff who are pregnant or may conceive. It notes that misinformation about radiation risk may drive women away from the field.

At a glance

Type of study: Guideline or consensus statement
Who was studied: Electrophysiologists, Mixed lab staff, Trainees
Topics: Pregnancy and reproductive health Women in the field Workforce and careers Regulation and policy Dosimetry and monitoring Dose reduction techniques Training and education
Summary based on: a web page

What it found

Female representation in cardiology and electrophysiology remains low, and radiation concerns around pregnancy are cited as one reason for this.
Key figures: 18% female cardiologists; 11% female electrophysiology (EP) trainees
A substantial share of female cardiologists performed radiation procedures while pregnant, and women made more career changes to avoid exposure.
Key figures: 30%
The authors state that misinformation about radiation risk can cause unfounded fear, while non-compliance with radioprotection may be hazardous.
Fluoroscopy time should not be used as a measure of radiation exposure; dose-area product (DAP)/kerma-area product (KAP) should be used instead, with ED approximated by a conversion factor.
Key figures: ED (mSv) = 0.20 × DAP (Gy·cm2); ±50% inaccuracy

Limits to keep in mind

This is an expert consensus document that combines literature review and expert opinion rather than new data. The available text was cut short, so specific recommendations on pregnancy, dose limits and protection methods were not seen.

Risk of ionizing radiation in pregnancy: just a myth or a real concern? (2022, Narrative review)
SCAI Multi-Society Position Statement on Occupational Health Hazards (2020, Guideline or consensus statement)
Radiation Exposure, Training, and Safety in Cardiology (2024, Narrative review)
Occupational Protection in Interventional Radiology. A Joint Guideline of the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe and the Society of Interventional Radiology (2026, Guideline or consensus statement)
Radiation safety program for the cardiac catheterization laboratory (2011, Guideline or consensus statement)

How this summary was made

ORSIF prepared this summary with AI assistance from a web page of the paper. A program then checked that the passage supporting each finding appears word for word in that source. A person has not yet reviewed each summary, so read the original before relying on a number. ORSIF summarizes research and does not endorse any product or company. Report a problem with this summary.

Prepared November 5, 2026.