What is coronary angioplasty?
Coronary angioplasty is a procedure used to widen a narrowed or blocked coronary artery, one of the blood vessels that supplies the heart muscle. It is also called percutaneous coronary intervention, or PCI.
A small balloon is used to open the narrowed area. A short metal mesh tube called a stent is often placed inside the artery to help keep it open. Some stents release medicine to reduce the chance of the treated area narrowing again.
How angiography and angioplasty fit together
A coronary angiogram uses contrast dye and X-ray imaging to show narrowing or blockages in the heart’s arteries. Angioplasty is a treatment for a narrowing; the angiogram helps the cardiologist assess the arteries and plan treatment.
Angiography usually takes place before angioplasty and may be part of the same procedure. Decisions depend on the pattern of disease, symptoms, other health conditions and the available treatment options.
What happens during the procedure?
A thin, flexible tube called a catheter is passed through a blood vessel, usually from the wrist or groin, and guided towards the coronary arteries. A balloon is positioned at the narrowing and inflated to widen the artery. A stent may then be left in place.
Angioplasty may be planned for selected people with coronary artery disease or carried out as an emergency treatment during a heart attack. It is not suitable for every patient; medicines or coronary bypass surgery may be considered instead.
Recovery and continuing care
After a planned, uncomplicated procedure, some patients go home the same day or the following day. Recovery after a heart attack or a more complex procedure can take longer. Your hospital team will explain the monitoring and follow-up you need.
Before discharge, ask about your medicines, care of the catheter site, activity and when to return for review. Take prescribed medicines as directed and speak to your care team before changing them.
Angioplasty treats a narrowing but does not remove the underlying tendency to coronary artery disease. Ongoing medicines, lifestyle support and follow-up remain important.
Benefits, risks and your decision
Angioplasty can improve blood flow and help relieve symptoms such as angina. The expected benefit depends on why the procedure is recommended.
Possible complications include bleeding, damage to a blood vessel, reactions to contrast dye and kidney problems. Serious complications such as a heart attack or stroke can occur. Ask your cardiologist to explain the benefits, alternatives and risks in your particular situation.
YOUR QUESTIONS
A little more clarity.
Is angioplasty the same as angiography?
No. Angiography is an imaging test that shows the coronary arteries. Angioplasty is a treatment used to open a narrowed or blocked artery. They may be performed in the same session.
Will a stent cure coronary artery disease?
A stent helps keep a treated section of artery open. It does not cure the underlying disease, so continuing care remains important.
When can I return to my usual activities?
This depends on the procedure, the catheter entry site and your overall condition. Follow the discharge instructions from your hospital team.