Angioplasty to Treat Heart Disease – Procedure, Benefits & Risks

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Angioplasty, also known as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. It helps restore proper blood flow to the heart, reducing the risk of heart attacks and improving cardiovascular health.

What is Angioplasty?
Angioplasty is a medical procedure performed to open clogged heart arteries. A thin tube (catheter) with a small balloon at its tip is inserted into the artery. The balloon is inflated to widen the narrowed artery, allowing better blood circulation. In many cases, a stent (a small mesh tube) is placed to keep the artery open.

Why is Angioplasty Needed?
Angioplasty is commonly recommended for patients with:

Coronary artery disease (CAD) – Plaque buildup in the arteries restricts blood flow.
Stable angina – Chest pain due to reduced oxygen supply to the heart.
Acute heart attack – Emergency angioplasty helps open blocked arteries quickly.
Shortness of breath & fatigue – Symptoms of reduced blood supply to the heart muscle.
Angioplasty Procedure – Step-by-Step Guide
Preparation – The patient is given local anesthesia, and a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel (usually in the groin or wrist).
Catheter Navigation – Using X-ray imaging, the catheter is guided to the affected coronary artery.
Balloon Inflation – A small balloon is inflated at the blockage site to widen the artery.
Stent Placement (if needed) – A metal stent is inserted to keep the artery open.
Final Check & Removal – Blood flow is checked, and the catheter is removed.
Benefits of Angioplasty
Restores normal blood flow to the heart.
Minimally invasive with a quick recovery time.
Reduces chest pain (angina) and improves physical activity.
Prevents future heart attacks and complications.
Faster hospital discharge compared to open-heart surgery.
Risks & Complications
Although angioplasty is generally safe, potential risks include:

Bleeding or infection at the catheter insertion site.
Re-narrowing of the artery (restenosis).
Blood clot formation inside the stent.
Heart attack or stroke (rare but possible).
Kidney problems due to contrast dye used in the procedure.

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