Coronary Angioplasty Overview

Coronary angioplasty is a medical procedure aimed at enhancing blood flow by reopening or enlarging blocked heart arteries. Blockages typically result from atherosclerosis, a condition where plaque accumulates on the inner walls of arteries, causing them to harden and narrow, often leading to coronary artery disease. The procedure involves inserting a tiny balloon to dilate the artery, often accompanied by a stent placement to keep the artery open.

Candidates for Coronary Angioplasty

This procedure is recommended for individuals with heart artery blockages, particularly those experiencing chest pain and discomfort. It is also considered when lifestyle changes and medication fail to alleviate symptoms or following a heart attack.

The Coronary Angioplasty Procedure

1. Preparation and Incision: An incision is made in the arm or groin, and a catheter is inserted.
2. Contrast Dye Injection: A contrast dye is injected through the catheter to highlight the clogged areas.
3. Balloon Inflation: A tube with a deflated balloon is guided to the blockage site via the catheter. The balloon is inflated to widen the artery, pushing the plaque aside and restoring blood flow.
4. Stent Placement: To maintain the artery's openness, a wire mesh tube called a stent is often inserted. Some stents are drug-eluting, releasing medication to prevent scar tissue formation and re-narrowing of the artery.

The entire procedure typically lasts 1 to 2 hours, with patients usually sedated but conscious.

Recovery from Coronary Angioplasty

Post-procedure, patients are monitored in the hospital for several hours, with some requiring an overnight stay. The catheter insertion site is checked for bleeding, and patients may experience soreness or tenderness in that area. Blood clot prevention medication is prescribed. Most patients can resume work about a week after the procedure. Cardiac rehabilitation and lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, quitting smoking, weight loss, and stress reduction, are often recommended to reduce the risk of coronary artery disease.

Risks of Coronary Angioplasty

Although complications are rare, they can include:

• Blood clots
• Bleeding
• Abnormal heart rhythms
• Allergic reaction to contrast dye
• Heart attack
• Stroke

The risk of complications is higher in individuals over 65, those with extensive heart disease and arterial blockages, or those with chronic kidney disease.

‍