What is Coronary Angioplasty? Why Is Coronary Angioplasty Done?

Coronary Angioplasty (Percutaneous Coronary Intervention - PCI)

Coronary Angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to open blocked or narrowed coronary arteries to restore blood flow to the heart. It is often performed along with stent placement to keep the artery open.

Why Is Coronary Angioplasty Done?

Coronary angioplasty is recommended for patients with:

✅ Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) – Blockages in the arteries due to cholesterol deposits (plaques).

✅ Heart Attack (Acute Myocardial Infarction) – To quickly restore blood flow and prevent heart damage.

✅ Angina (Chest Pain) – If medications are not effective in relieving symptoms.

✅ Shortness of Breath & Fatigue – Caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.

✅ Positive Stress Test or Coronary Angiography Findings – Indicating severe artery blockages.

Procedure of Coronary Angioplasty

1️⃣ Preparation: The patient is given a mild sedative, and a local anesthetic is applied to the wrist or groin.

2️⃣ Catheter Insertion: A thin tube (catheter) with a balloon at its tip is inserted into an artery and guided to the blocked coronary artery.

3️⃣ Balloon Inflation: The balloon is inflated to push the plaque against the artery walls, widening the artery.

4️⃣ Stent Placement (if needed): A stent (metal mesh tube) is inserted to keep the artery open permanently.

5️⃣ Completion: The balloon and catheter are removed, and blood flow is restored.

Benefits of Coronary Angioplasty

✔ Immediate symptom relief (chest pain, breathlessness)

✔ Improves blood flow to the heart

✔ Reduces the risk of a heart attack

✔ Minimally invasive (faster recovery than open-heart surgery)

✔ Short hospital stay (1-2 days in most cases)

Risks & Complications

Though angioplasty is a safe procedure, potential risks include:

⚠ Bleeding or infection at the catheter insertion site.

⚠ Re-narrowing of the artery (Restenosis) – More common if a stent is not used.

⚠ Blood clots forming in the stent – Can be prevented with blood thinners.

⚠ Heart attack or stroke (rare cases).

Alternatives to Angioplasty

🔹 Medications – Blood thinners, cholesterol-lowering drugs, and lifestyle changes.

🔹 Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) – Open-heart surgery for severe blockages.

🔹 Lifestyle Modifications – Healthy diet, exercise, quitting smoking, and stress management.