Occupational Risks of Radiation Exposure to Cardiologists

At a glance

Type of study

Narrative review

Who was studied

Interventional cardiologists, Electrophysiologists, Mixed lab staff

Topics

DNA and cellular effectsCancer riskEye lens and cataractsMusculoskeletal injury and ergonomicsPregnancy and reproductive healthCardiovascular disease

Summary based on

the abstract

What it found

• Radiation-exposed cardiology staff show higher risks of DNA damage and lens opacities.

• Surveys and questionnaires indicate a higher risk of musculoskeletal disease in exposed workers.

• Reviewed studies found no difference in cancer frequency between exposed workers and controls.

• Changes in olfaction, neuropsychological aspects and vascular measures have been reported.

• Limited literature supports the safety of continuing radiation-exposed work during pregnancy.

Limits to keep in mind

Narrative literature review with descriptive analysis; no systematic search methods or pooled estimates are reported in the abstract, and much underlying evidence comes from surveys and observational studies.

Related research summaries

• Radiation exposure in interventional cardiology: a narrative review of health effects and novel approaches to ensure radiation safety (2025, Narrative review)
• Practical guidance to reduce radiation exposure in electrophysiology applying ultra low-dose protocols: a European Heart Rhythm Association review (2023, Narrative review)
• The Biological Effects of Diagnostic Cardiac Imaging on Chronically Exposed Physicians: The Importance of Being Non-Ionizing (2004, 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)