Coronary Angioplasty
What is Coronary Angioplasty?
Coronary Angioplasty, also known as Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI), is a medical procedure used to open blocked or narrowed coronary arteries to restore proper blood flow to the heart. It is commonly performed to treat coronary artery disease (CAD) and prevent heart attacks.
During this procedure, a thin tube (catheter) with a small balloon is inserted into the blocked artery. The balloon is inflated to widen the artery, and a stent (a small metal mesh tube) is placed to keep the artery open.
Causes: Why is Angioplasty Needed?
Angioplasty is performed when arteries become narrowed or blocked due to plaque buildup (fat, cholesterol, and other substances). The main causes include:
✔ Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) – Hardening and narrowing of arteries due to plaque buildup.
✔ Atherosclerosis – Accumulation of fatty deposits in the arteries.
✔ Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction) – A blockage that cuts off blood supply to the heart.
✔ Angina (Chest Pain) – Severe chest pain due to reduced blood flow.
✔ Severe Shortness of Breath – Caused by restricted blood circulation in the heart.
✔ Failed Medication Treatment – When lifestyle changes and medicines are not effective.
Symptoms That May Require Angioplasty
Angioplasty is recommended for patients experiencing the following symptoms:
❗ Severe Chest Pain (Angina) – Tightness, pressure, or discomfort in the chest.
❗ Shortness of Breath – Difficulty breathing even with mild activity.
❗ Fatigue & Weakness – Feeling excessively tired.
❗ Pain in Arms, Neck, Jaw, or Back – Often spreads from the chest.
❗ Irregular Heartbeat (Arrhythmia) – Fast or slow heartbeat.
❗ Dizziness or Fainting – Due to reduced blood flow to the brain.
Risks & Complications of Angioplasty
Although angioplasty is a safe procedure, some risks include:
⚠ Bleeding or Infection – At the catheter insertion site.
⚠ Re-narrowing of Arteries (Restenosis) – In some cases, the artery may become blocked again.
⚠ Blood Clots in Stents – Can lead to a heart attack (requires blood thinners).
⚠ Irregular Heartbeat (Arrhythmia) – Temporary heart rhythm problems.
⚠ Stroke or Heart Attack (Rare Cases) – If a clot moves to another part of the body.
Angioplasty Procedure: Step-by-Step
1️⃣ Preparation Before the Procedure
✔ The patient is given local anesthesia (numbness but remains awake).
✔ A thin tube (catheter) is inserted into an artery in the wrist or groin.
✔ A special dye is injected to highlight blockages in the arteries.
2️⃣ Balloon Inflation
✔ A small balloon is guided to the blocked artery.
✔ The balloon is inflated to push the plaque aside and widen the artery.
3️⃣ Stent Placement (If Needed)
✔ A stent (metal mesh tube) is placed inside the artery to keep it open permanently.
4️⃣ Removal & Recovery
✔ The balloon and catheter are removed.
✔ The patient is monitored for a few hours before being discharged (same day or next day).
📌 Angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure and takes about 30–60 minutes.
When to Seek Medical Help After Angioplasty?
🚨 Contact a doctor immediately if you experience:
❗ Severe chest pain or discomfort.
❗ Sudden shortness of breath.
❗ Excessive swelling or bleeding at the catheter site.
❗ Irregular or very fast heartbeat.