Which of the following is a risk associated with left heart catheterization?

Left heart catheterization involves threading a catheter through the arteries to reach the left side of the heart. While several risks are associated with the procedure, arrhythmias are particularly notable. This is because the catheter's placement can irritate the cardiac muscle and the conduction system, potentially leading to various types of arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation or premature ventricular contractions. The risk is further heightened in patients with existing heart disease or those with structural heart abnormalities.

In contrast, while cardiac tamponade, myocardial infarction, and embolism are also potential complications associated with left heart catheterization, they are less common. Cardiac tamponade can occur if there is excessive bleeding into the pericardial space, myocardial infarction may occur due to coronary artery blockage during the procedure, and embolism can happen if a dislodged clot travels through the bloodstream. However, arrhythmias present a more immediate and frequently encountered risk during catheterization due to their direct relation to the manipulation of the heart and its surrounding structures. Understanding this risk helps highlight the importance of monitoring cardiac rhythm throughout the catheterization procedure.