*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature L: Laxatives.

Risks

As with all types of surgery, coronary angioplasty carries a risk of complications. However, the risk of serious problems is small.

Complications can occur during or after an angioplasty.

It's common to have bleeding or bruising under the skin where the catheter was inserted.

More serious complications are less common but can include:

damage to the artery where the sheath was inserted
allergic reaction to the contrast agent used during the procedure
damage to an artery in the heart
excessive bleeding requiring a blood transfusion
heart attack, stroke or death

Who's most at risk?

The risk of having complications depends on your age, overall health, if you have any other conditions, and whether the procedure was planned or as emergency treatment.

Your cardiology team can give you more information about your individual circumstances and level of risk.

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature L: Laxatives. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
Photos: LightFieldStudios and one of VladOrlov, Stockcube, darak77, ajr_images or rawpixel.com.