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Coronary angioplasty

Coronary angioplasty

Coronary angioplasty is a medical procedure that’s done to see if there’s a restriction in blood flow going to the heart and to treat blockages in coronary arteries supplying blood to your heart. 

Cardiologists stretch open and widen blocked or narrowed arteries, or atherosclerosis, using a balloon during an angioplasty procedure. The cardiologist may also insert a stent to widen a narrowed artery during angiography. This ensures that the heart problem does not recur as the blood flows unobstructed to your heart. 

This minimally invasive procedure can stop you from getting a heart attack and eliminate the need for a major surgery like open-heart surgery.

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Coronary angioplasty

    A coronary angioplasty is usually done if your angina (a type of chest pain caused by a reduced flow of blood to the heart) is not responding to medication.
    The procedure may also be done during a heart attack to quickly open a blocked heart artery and avert more harm to the heart. How do you know if you need an angioplasty? Symptoms that can signal the need for a coronary angioplasty are:
    1. Chest pain or angina that worsens despite medication
    2. Pain in the arms or legs
    3. Swelling in the legs
    4. Changes in skin, like discoloration
    5. Slow-healing wounds
    6. Fatigue
    7. Symptoms of a stroke-like sudden numbness, dizziness, and confusion
    8. Worsening symptoms of atherosclerosis, like shortness of breath

    A cardiologist usually performs a battery of tests to diagnose atherosclerosis, the disease that requires angioplasty. The common ones are:
    1. Physical test including your family’s detailed health history
    2. Blood tests to check blood sugar and cholesterol levels
    3. Electrocardiogram or ECG to record electrical signals in your heart
    4. Exercise stress test to pick up heart problems that might have been missed

    A coronary angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that doesn't require any major incisions. It is a safe and effective surgery.
    It is usually a daytime procedure that takes no more than 30 minutes to two hours. If you’ve had a heart attack or if there are multiple catheterization procedures required, it can take longer.

    The indications for coronary angioplasty are:
    1. Persistent chest pain or angina
    2. Blockage of one or two coronary arteries due to fatty plaques
    The common symptoms of blockages in coronary arteries are chest pain and shortness of breath due to the narrowing and hardening of the coronary arteries due to deposition of fat and/or aging.

    A coronary angioplasty is a minimally invasive surgery which means that it’s done without any major incisions. It is also one of the commonest types of treatments for coronary artery blockages or atherosclerosis. The risk of serious complications with this procedure is negligible and is more likely if you are older or have had a heart attack.

    You can walk away the same day after a coronary angioplasty if it's a straightforward procedure.
    Precautions include avoiding strenuous activities, lifting heavy objects, and driving for a week. Older patients and those who’ve had a prior heart attack usually need to stay in hospital for about a week to recover.

    A person can have as many angioplasties as deemed fit by their cardiologist. Repeat angioplasties have now become a norm, especially if the section of the blocked artery that was opened up earlier has become narrow again, leading to the return of symptoms. Treatment includes the insertion of a second stent in the same location during a repeat angioplasty.

    No. Angioplasty procedure involves making just a tiny incision for inserting the catheter into your arm or groin.
    Before doing this, a local anesthesia is injected using a tiny needle. Only when the area is numb, the incision is made. So it doesn’t hurt at all.
    There may be minor pain after the procedure, though.

    You can expect the coronary angioplasty procedure to last anywhere between half an hour to two hours.
    You are under local anesthesia and do not feel any pain. Your heart rhythm and rate are also monitored using a heart monitor. But, if you feel unwell or feel discomfort at any time, you should inform your cardiologist.

    After a standard coronary angioplasty procedure, you may need to stay in hospital for just several hours or overnight. If you are getting the procedure after a heart attack, both recovery and hospital stay are extended.
    You will be asked to abstain from heavy lifting, driving, or straining for at least a week to prevent bleeding.

    References

    1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/coronary-angiogram/about/pac-20384904#:~:text=A%20coronary%20angiogram%20is%20a,as%20heart%20(cardiac)%20catheterizations.
    2. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003876.htm

    Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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