Angioplasty is a type of a procedure to open up the blockage in the arteries of the heart. Those narrow blood vessels are opened up with the help of an inflated balloon. It is done by inserting a small catheter into the artery. This procedure is also called a balloon angioplasty. It is found that approx., 315 millions are dealing with coronary arteries associated disease which is commonly called heart attack.

It is found that elderly people who are above 65 years old are more prone to have heart-related problems. Most people are forwarding towards the treatment when medicine does not work then their angioplasty works. All this procedure is done under the supervision of a cardiologist which depends on an individual’s severity and age. You will find all details regarding angioplasty surgery, why it is required, its procedure etc.

When Is the Need of Angioplasty?

There are various reasons which may cause blockage in the arteries of the heart, it is due to deposit of cholesterol and fats. This condition is called atherosclerosis.

So angioplasty has to be performed to widen up those narrowed blood vessels. As a result, arteries carry good flow of the oxygenated blood from the heart to supply other parts of the body. Other unhealthy factors can be reasons which are as follows:-

Smoking
High level of cholesterol
Diabetes
High blood pressure
Family history
Poor lifestyle or physical inactive
Dizziness
Pain moves towards arms
Nausea
Abdominal Pain
Excessive stress
Sleep apnea
Consumption of sugar and sodium in high amount

Types of Angioplasty

Laser Angioplasty – By using a high power laser blockage is removed with harming other tissues.
Stent Angioplasty – It is performed after balloon angioplasty in which a stent is a mesh tube used to open the blockage and prevent blockages.
Balloon Angioplasty – To open up and increase blood flow, a thin plastic tube in the form of a catheter is inserted into arteries.
Peripheral Angioplasty – It is a common type which treats coronary artery blockages that causes heart attack. It opens up narrow arteries to increase the blood flow.

When Should You Go for Angioplasty?

There are some signs and symptoms which should not be ignored and immediately contact a nearby Cardiologist.

There are some signs which would tell that you should go for this procedure which are follows:-

a) Pain in the chest:- Due to deposit of cholesterol in the arterial walls of the heart is known as atherosclerosis. Because of this blockage, the pain arises in the chest. Angioplasty is a first line of the treatment to get relief from the pain.
b) Changes in the Skin Color:- When there is a lack of oxygenated blood into the heart because of blocked blood vessels. This forms a purple colored pattern which may appear on the palms and the soles of the feet.
c) Fatigue:- Due to muscle weakness, it causes extreme tiredness and not being able to perform a simple task. Even leg muscles are not strong enough to make you stand on your own.
d) Heart Palpitation:- It gives you a sensation like your heart is pounding and even stress, medication and other factors can raise this problem.

How Heart Disease is Diagnosed for Angioplasty?

There are some tests that have to be conducted before performing angioplasty. It can be diagnosed through the following tests:-

Heart CT scan – To get the clear images of the heart.
Echocardiogram EKG – To detect electrical activity in the heart.
Coronary Artery Calcium Scan – To evaluate how much calcium is deposited in the arteries of the heart.
Coronary Angiography – It is used to detect the blood flow by using X-rays that are contrasted with some dye to see the flow of the blood in the arteries.
Echocardiogram – It is used to see the clear structure of the heart.

Procedure for Angioplasty

There are certain steps for an angioplasty procedure which is carried out by a cardiologist and a surgeon. These are some performed before and during the treatment.

Pre-Angioplasty

All vitals are checked like blood pressure, pulse and heartbeat by checking through electrodes. It is done before, during and after angioplasty.
After examining all diagnostic tests, patients are advised to stop eating, drinking and medicines a few hours before starting angioplasty.

During Angioplasty

The procedure of angioplasty is started after giving local anesthesia to the patient.
Now the doctor cleaned and searched the right wrist where it got numb due to the effect of anesthesia.
A small cut is made on the numb wrist to insert a thin catheter (form of plastic tube) through the skin to insert it into the arteries of the blood vessels.
Through blood vessels this plastic thin catheter is reached to the heart.
Once a catheter is reached to the heart then a dye is injected to locate any blockages with the help of fluoroscopy.
Now inflate the balloon to open up blocked arteries. This helps to move out plaque and clear the way to flow of the blood more smoothly when deflated balloon gets removed

After Angioplasty

After completing the procedure, a healthcare provider suggested taking complete bed rest up to 8 hours.
Adapt a healthy lifestyle.
Less physical activity.
Follow low cholesterol and a healthy diet.

Are There Any Risks of Angioplasty?

Yes, there may be some medical risks which can be involved in angioplasty, these are as follows:-

Blood clot
Heart attack
Irregular heartbeat
Allergic reaction may be caused due to contrast dye used while diagnosis
Chest pain
Damage to blood vessels
Bleeding and infection occur where catheter is inserted

Advantages of Angioplasty

The procedure of angioplasty has various benefits, these are mentioned below:-

It helps to improve blood flow through the arteries into the heart.
Treats blockage of arteries of the heart that is atherosclerosis.
Overcome with chest pain which is commonly known as angina.
Improve the health of the heart.
It also increases the chances of surviving than clot dissolving medications while having a heart attack.