Angioplasty, also known as Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI), is a medical procedure used to open up blocked or narrowed coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart
. This procedure is commonly performed to treat conditions like coronary artery disease (CAD) and acute coronary syndrome (ACS), which includes heart attacks
.
1) How Angioplasty Works:
Catheter Insertion: A thin tube called a catheter is inserted into an artery in the groin or wrist
2) Guiding the Catheter: The catheter is then threaded through the blood vessels to the affected artery around the heart
3) Balloon Inflation: A small balloon at the tip of the catheter is inflated to open up the narrowed artery
4) Stent Placement: Often, a stent (a small wire mesh tube) is placed in the artery to keep it open after the balloon is deflated and removed
Benefits of Angioplasty:
Restores Blood Flow: Angioplasty helps restore blood flow to the heart muscle, relieving symptoms like chest pain (angina) and improving heart function
Minimally Invasive: Unlike open-heart surgery, angioplasty is less invasive and usually involves a shorter recovery time
Immediate Relief: It provides immediate relief from symptoms and can be life-saving in the case of a heart attack
Risks and Considerations:
Restenosis: There is a risk of the artery becoming narrowed again (restenosis) over time
Blood Clots: Patients may need to take medications to prevent blood clots from forming around the stent
Lifestyle Changes: Post-procedure, patients are often advised to make lifestyle changes, such as adopting a heart-healthy diet, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking
Angioplasty is a common and effective treatment for heart disease, but it's important to follow your doctor's recommendations for ongoing care and lifestyle adjustments to maintain heart health.