With cardiac catheterization, in women, do the risks outweigh the benefits?

[Betonaster]

In my case, the rationale given for a cardiac catheterization is "suspicion" of blockage.  At high risk for complications of the procedure itself, being mentally prepared for an invasive procedure is very difficult.  Might women who have not had an infarction, but who have undergone cardiac catheterization please relate their experiences.

[Betonaster]

Thank you.  I think there is just posted elsewhere that the doctors have decided that I shouldn't have the catheterization.  And, I'm not given a good enough reason for this sudden change of heart... except that, they've now decided - I haven't had any sudden changes..  And yet, my post stress echo ekg was a mess.  I doubt that went away.  I will give the CT radiation risks vs catheterization/angioplasty vs medication, exercise, a good deal more thought now.  (May I say, I fairly loathe them).

[hefner33]

Im not a woman but I had the concern and was told i could have a non invasive fast motion heart CT. Its not the gold standard but was told it can show alot