Coronary Angioplasty- Cardiology
Coronary angioplasty is also known as percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). It is a type of surgery that is used to widen blocked and narrowed heart arteries.
Angioplasty uses a balloon to expand and open a narrowed or blocked artery. It involves inserting a short wire-mesh tube, also known as a stent. The stent allows blood to flow freely, so it is permanently placed by a surgeon.
Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)is also referred to as the use of coronary angioplasty with stenting.
Why is coronary angioplasty required?
Coronary angioplasty is known as a treatment for blockage of the arteries in the heart. This surgery helps achieve better blood flow in the arteries.
Angioplasty increases the chance of individual survival after a heart attack compared to just taking clot-busting medications (thrombolysis). It can also lessen the risk of having another heart attack in the coming years.
Which doctor to consult?
Talk to a cardiologist or a cardiovascular surgeon, who will explain to you the procedure, the risks and after-care.
What to expect during coronary angioplasty
An anesthetic is administered during a coronary angioplasty procedure. A catheter is first inserted into the arteries and is guided by x-rays for proper positioning.
A balloon is inflated inside the artery to widen the blocked arteries, after which, it will be deflated for removal. The stent will remain inside the arteries even after the removal of the balloon.
This type of surgery usually lasts for 30 minutes to 2 hours. After the surgery, you will be advised to rest and avoid heavy lifting to prevent bleeding.
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes are important to prevent your medical condition from recurring and to have better outcomes.
These lifestyle changes include:
- Eating a well-balanced diet
- Exercising daily
- Reducing stress
- Taking medicines to lower high blood pressure or high blood cholesterol levels
- Taking your prescribed medicine in a timely manner
- Enrolling in a cardiac rehabilitation program
Talk to your doctor about this in more detail.
Complications
Talk to your doctor about the possible complications of this procedure.
References
- Coronary angioplasty and stent insertion. (2019). Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronary-angioplasty/
- Coronary angioplasty and stents - Mayo Clinic. (2019). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/coronary-angioplasty/about/pac-20384761
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