Patient Body Mass Index and Physician Radiation Dose During Coronary Angiography: Is the Obesity Epidemic Impacting the Occupational Risk of Physicians in the Catheterization Laboratory?

BACKGROUND:Consistent with the increasing prevalence of obesity in the general population, obesity has become more prevalent among patients undergoing cardiac catheterization. This study evaluated the association between patient body mass index (BMI) and physician radiation dose during coronary angiography. METHODS AND RESULTS:Real-time radiation exposure data were collected during consecutive coronary angiography procedures. Patient radiation dose was estimated using dose area product. Physician radiation dose in each case was recorded by a dosimeter worn by the physician and is reported as the personal dose equivalent (Hp10). Patient BMI was categorized as