In plain language
In a European survey of 615 cath lab professionals, mostly interventional cardiologists, about 20% reported back, neck or hip problems linked to more years of work; self-reported cancer (2.2%) and cataract (2.0%) were uncommon.
At a glance
- Type of study
- Original research, Cross-sectional survey
- Who was studied
- Interventional cardiologists, Mixed lab staff
- Size
- n = 615 participants
- Topics
- Musculoskeletal injury and ergonomicsEye lens and cataractsCancer riskPregnancy and reproductive healthPersonal protective equipmentDosimetry and monitoringSafety culture and complianceWomen in the fieldCardiovascular disease
- Summary based on
- the abstract
What it found
About one in five respondents reported orthopaedic problems (back/neck/hip pain), and these were associated with years of exposure.
Key figures: 19.5%; p=0.001
Few respondents had been diagnosed with cancer, with a non-significant trend toward more cancer in women.
Key figures: 2.2% overall; 4.4% vs. 1.8% females vs males; p=0.067
Other reported conditions included varicose veins, blood count problems and cataracts.
Key figures: 5.5% varicose veins, 2.4% blood count problems, 2.0% cataracts
The thyroid shield was the most used protective measure, and about two-thirds wore a collar badge.
Key figures: 87.2% thyroid shield; 64.4% collar badge
Most respondents reported restrictions placed on pregnant women in the workplace.
Key figures: 62.1%
Limits to keep in mind
Voluntary web-based survey with self-reported health outcomes, no control group and possible response bias; the abstract gives no response rate and cannot establish that conditions were caused by radiation.
Related research summaries
- 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)
- Occupational Health Hazards in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory: Results of the 2023 SCAI Survey (2025, Cross-sectional survey)
- Increasing Awareness and Reducing Occupational Hazards in the Cardiac Catheterization and Electrophysiology Laboratories: Working to Eliminate Lead and Complications of Radiation in Cardiovascular Team Study (2026, Cross-sectional survey)
How this summary was made
ORSIF prepared this summary with AI assistance from the abstract 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 3, 2026.