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