Rare heart attack possible after fluorescein angiography in older adults with heart disease

This case report and review describes a 76-year-old woman with hypertension, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes. She underwent fluorescein angiography, a test that uses dye to view blood vessels in the eye. About 10 minutes after the procedure, she experienced acute central chest pain and suffered a non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction. This event was serious and life-threatening. The authors note that such complications are extremely rare. Possible explanations include an allergic reaction causing coronary artery spasm or a stress response releasing chemicals that tighten heart vessels in diseased tissue. The patient was managed until she stabilized and was discharged. This single case underscores the critical importance of thorough patient counseling, clinical vigilance, and institutional readiness to manage acute systemic emergencies associated with fluorescein angiography. Readers should understand that while this test is generally safe, rare and severe reactions can occur in people with pre-existing heart conditions. Always discuss potential risks with your doctor before undergoing any medical procedure.