What is Coronary Angioplasty?

Coronary angioplasty (AN-jee-o-plas-tee), also called percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), is a procedure used to open clogged arteries. PCI uses a tiny balloon catheter that is inserted in a blocked blood vessel to help widen it and improve blood flow to the heart. Angioplasty is often combined with the placement of a small wire mesh tube called a stent. The stent helps prop the artery open, decreasing its chance of narrowing again.
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common cause of death in the United States. In fact, CAD is responsible for more deaths than any other single condition. Over time, blockages (or
stenosis) occur in arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. When this occurs, it often leads to angina pectoris (pain), and sometimes serious disability or sudden death if not treated immediately.

Why it is done?

Angioplasty is done to treat a heart disease known as atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis means
having the fatty plaques in the blood Vessels of Your Heart.
Angioplasty is the last option for you if you have tried the medicines and changed your lifestyle,but it has shown no improvement, Or the pain in your chest is Worsening or in case of a Heart Attack.
This treatment is not for everyone, in some cases your doctor may recommend you Coronary
Artery Bypass Surgery.
In coronary artery bypass surgery, the blocked part of your artery is bypassed using a healthy blood vessel from another part of your body.

Risks of Coronary Angioplasty

  • Your Artery may again get re narrowed
  • This might result in Blood Clots(Blood Thinner is recommended after Angioplasty)
  • Kidney Problems
  • Stroke
  • Sometimes your Heart Rhythms may also become abnormal.

Results

Coronary angioplasty greatly increases blood flow through the previously narrowed or blocked coronary artery. This surgery also results in the reduction of Chest Pain and You will be able to do physical exercises after this. But, there is a lot of things that needs to be taken care after the surgery as well, because having the surgery doesn’t mean the disease goes away.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND AFTER ANGIOPLASTY

  • Take proper care of your Diet (Low Cholesterol Level)
  • Quit Smoking
  • Avoid Overeating and maintain healthy weight.
  • Regular Exercises
  • Proper Medications (as prescribed by your Doctor)
  • Keep a check on Diabetes & BP

Successful angioplasty also means you might not have to undergo coronary artery bypass
surgery, a more invasive procedure that requires a longer recovery time.