Coronary angioplasty is a medical procedure to open narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. This intervention is commonly employed to treat patients having a heart attack or to alleviate symptoms caused by coronary artery disease (CAD) such as chest pain or breathlessness to enhance blood flow to the heart muscle. Coronary angioplasty is a widely utilised technique to manage coronary artery disease and mitigate the risk of heart-related complications.
What Is Coronary Angioplasty?
Coronary angioplasty, or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), is a medical procedure addressing narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. This intervention is commonly utilised to relieve coronary artery disease (CAD) symptoms and enhance blood flow to the heart muscle. During the procedure, a catheter equipped with a balloon at its tip is carefully inserted into the narrowed artery. The balloon is then inflated, compressing the plaque against the arterial walls and widening the vessel. Sometimes, a stent is inserted as a scaffold to keep the artery open, preventing re-narrowing and promoting improved blood circulation. Coronary angioplasty is a minimally invasive and effective method for managing coronary artery disease, helping alleviate symptoms and reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications.
Who Needs Coronary Angioplasty?
Coronary angioplasty is typically recommended for individuals with coronary artery disease (CAD) who have significant blockages or narrowing in their coronary arteries. It is often considered for those experiencing symptoms such as chest pain (angina) or those who have had a heart attack due to severe narrowings in the coronary vessels from blood clots or coronary artery disease.
How Do I Prepare For Coronary Angioplasty?
Prepare for coronary angioplasty by undergoing a thorough medical evaluation, adjusting medications as needed, and fasting before the procedure. Inform your healthcare team about any allergies particularly to contrast medium and certain painkillers such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs including aspirin. Follow specific instructions regarding medication management, activities, and pre-procedure guidelines provided by your healthcare team.
What Happens During Coronary Angioplasty?
A coronary angiogram is performed prior to angioplasty. During coronary angioplasty, a thin tube called a catheter is threaded through blood vessels to the blocked or narrowed coronary artery. A balloon at the catheter’s tip is inflated to widen the artery, compressing the plaque and restoring blood flow. A stent (a small mesh tube) is often placed to keep the artery open. Real-time X-ray images typically guide the procedure, and patients may be awake but sedated for comfort. After the angioplasty, the catheter is removed, and patients are monitored during recovery. The duration of a coronary angioplasty procedure can vary depending on the complexity of the procedure and can range from 30 minutes to 2 hours.
What To Do After Coronary Angioplasty?
After coronary angioplasty, prioritise rest and follow activity restrictions while monitoring your vital signs. Take prescribed medications as directed, especially those preventing blood clots. Attend follow-up appointments to assess the puncture site and to make necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. Adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle with proper diet, exercise, and report any concerns or unusual symptoms promptly to your healthcare team.
What are the Risks of Undergoing a Coronary Angioplasty?
While coronary angioplasty is generally a safe and effective procedure, it is an invasive procedure which carries a small risk of complications. Possible complications include bleeding or bruising at the catheter insertion site, an allergic reaction to the contrast dye, kidney injury from the contrast used, stroke, heart attack, damage to the blood vessels and a very small risk of death. In general the risk of complications from angioplasty is 1%, but can be higher for complex procedures.
