Background: Preventive measures for radial artery complications in distal transradial approach are not fully studied. Our aim was to investigate the role of nitroglycerine injection in patients undergoing coronary angiography via distal transradial access.

Methods: In this study, 168 patients who underwent angiographic procedures performed via distal transradial route with or without nitroglycerine injection were evaluated. Demographic, angiographic, and laboratory characteristics were recorded. Radial artery outcomes, including radial artery spasm, radial artery occlusion, and hematoma were compared between these groups and P values < .05 indicated significant differences.

Results: Radial artery outcome occurred in 22% of the study population (n = 37), with radial artery spasm being the most encountered complication (n = 28, 16.7%). The groups were not different in terms of radial artery complications. Procedural features were also comparable except for the total contrast volume used.

Conclusion: Coronary angiographic procedures could be performed safely using distal transradial access without nitroglycerine injection.