In today’s world of fast food and on-the-go living, the rise of coronary artery disease (CAD) is no surprise. Think of CAD as the traffic jam in your heart’s highways, caused by plaque buildup – the unwanted fats and bad cholesterol.

At times, especially when the artery is blocked by 70% or more, arterial plaque buildup may cause Chest pain symptoms. The good news? Coronary Angioplasty is a trusted procedure for having a healthy heart.

The Angioplasty treatment has an extremely high success rate. More than 90 percent of patients have successful Angioplasty, which properly opens clogged blood vessels around the heart.

What Is Angioplasty?

“Angioplasty” is a term that comes from the words “angi” (blood vessel) and “plasty” (opening). Angioplasty is a surgical procedure to open a blocked or narrowed artery near the heart. It is a standard treatment for clogged or narrowed arteries.

The term Angioplasty is frequently used interchangeably with percutaneous coronary intervention or PCI. During an Angioplasty procedure, a healthcare provider uses a tiny balloon to push plaque against the artery walls, allowing blood to flow freely through your artery. They frequently place a stent or tube inside to keep the newly opened space open.

Types Of Angioplasty

Angioplasty can be classified into two major categories: –

• Balloon Angioplasty: This type of treatment uses the pressure an expanding balloon creates to remove plaque from an artery. It is the only option when a stent cannot be placed in the desired location.
• Stent Placement: This involves inserting a tube, or stent, made of wire mesh into the artery. After an Angioplasty procedure, stents can prevent the artery from narrowing again.

Balloon Vs. Stent Angioplasty

Balloon Angioplasty is a minimally invasive cardiac catheterisation procedure that opens narrow and blocked arteries with a long, thin plastic tube with a tiny balloon at its tip.

On the other hand, heart stents are tiny lattice-shaped metal mesh tubes that serve as scaffolding to keep the artery open by inserting a short wire-mesh tube, called a stent, into the artery during the procedure.

As per one of the best pediatric cardiac surgeons, Dr. Dinesh Kumar Mittal, the choice between balloon Angioplasty and stent placement depends on various factors, including the patient’s specific medical condition and the doctor’s clinical judgment. He says, “There is no universal preference, as the choice is made on a case-by-case basis to provide the most appropriate treatment for each patient.”

What is the Difference Between Angiography and Angioplasty?

Angiography or Coronary Angiogram is a process where X-rays are used to examine blood vessels to check for any potential heart conditions.

Angioplasty is a Minimal Invasive procedure in which narrow arteries are made wide to treat heart conditions through the Radial or Femoral artery.

What Does Angioplasty Treat?

Angioplasty is a valuable procedure to treat atherosclerosis (a buildup of plaque consisting of fat and cholesterol) in various parts of your body’s arteries.

• Coronary artery disease: A narrow or clogged coronary artery can prevent your heart from receiving the oxygen it needs, resulting in chest pain or a heart attack. Angioplasty, or percutaneous coronary intervention, is beneficial for a healthy heart.
• Peripheral artery disease: Angioplasty is a procedure used to treat atherosclerosis in the arms, legs, and pelvis arteries.
• Carotid artery disease: An Angioplasty can treat a clogged artery in your neck. If left untreated, they can progress to the point where your brain does not receive enough oxygen to function correctly.
• Chronic kidney disease: Plaque buildup in the arteries affects the amount of oxygen reaching your kidneys. In some cases, renal artery Angioplasty may be necessary to alleviate the problem.

Before beginning Angioplasty, the groin or the wrist where the catheter will be inserted into the body is cleaned and numbed.

In the next step, a doctor places a catheter in the artery and directs it toward the coronary artery, using X-rays as a guide. Once the catheter is in place, the doctor injects a contrast dye into the artery to help find heart blockages. After a thorough examination, the doctor inserts another catheter and a guidewire, typically with a balloon at its tip.

Next, the doctor inflates the balloon, which pushes the plaque build-up away and opens the artery. A stent may be used to keep the artery open.

Angioplasty can take several hours, depending on the difficulty, blockages, and complications.

Who Needs To Have Angioplasty?

As highlighted by Dr. Mittal, angioplasties are performed on patients with coronary artery disease or a heart attack. Angioplasty is also served in the neck, arms, legs, kidneys, and pelvis to open blocked arteries. Angioplasty widens a plaque-clogged artery that improves blood flow to the organ served by the artery.

How To Prepare for Angioplasty?

Angioplasties are considered to be low-risk surgical procedures. Patients must adhere to their doctor’s pre-operative instructions to ensure a positive outcome and tell their doctor about any medications and supplements.

Before undergoing surgery, individuals may need to discontinue taking these medications, particularly blood thinners. Also, patients may need to fast for several hours before the surgery as doctors may need to sedate them. Additionally, kidney tests may be necessary before surgery, as the contrast dye used by the surgeons can affect kidney function.

What are the Risks or Complications of Angioplasty?

Although serious angioplasty problems are rare, all invasive procedures include some risks. For example, an angioplasty may require an emergency coronary artery bypass transplant. Complications occur in around one out of every 100 procedures, though this number may vary. Other risks associated with angioplasty include: –

• A dye reaction
• Coronary artery disease
• An abnormal heartbeat
• Stroke
• Damage to the blood vessels of the kidney
• Blood clot
• Chest discomfort
• Bleeding
• A re-blockage if no stent is implanted.

Angioplasty Risk Age

According to Dr. Dinesh, the risk of angioplasty problems is significant in patients over 60 and people with numerous blocked arteries, kidney disease, or heart failure, among other factors.

How much does Angioplasty Cost in India?

A standard Angioplasty procedure in India may cost between Rs 1.2 lakh and Rs 3.0 lakh (approx). However, pricing may vary depending on various factors, including the hospital amenities, the experience of the doctors, the quality and type of medicated stent used, and a variety of other factors.

What is the Recovery Process After Angioplasty?

After the angioplasty cardiologist removes the catheters and bandages, catheters can cause pain, bruising, and even bleeding when inserted into the body.

Usually, a person recovers in the hospital for a few hours or overnight. Due to sedative drugs in their system, individuals should not be allowed to drive. Additionally, the patient will be restricted from lifting for around a week afterward.

“The recovery process after Angioplasty varies from person to person. After angioplasty, I felt better than I had in years,” says Rajesh Sharma, a 62-year-old patient of Dr. Dinesh. “Before my procedure, I was constantly short of breath and had chest pain with even the slightest exertion. It was impacting my quality of life significantly. The procedure itself was surprisingly quick, and the recovery was much easier than I anticipated. Now, I can walk, play with my grandkids, and enjoy life again without that constant fear of chest pain. I’m incredibly grateful for the angioplasty and the excellent care I received.”

Most people can return to work in a week, although their doctor will prescribe their activity level. The post-angioplasty visit is an integral part of the treatment. The doctor will assess the patient’s progress, modify medications as needed, and build an ongoing cardiovascular health plan.

Are There Any Side Effects of Angioplasty?

Some angioplasty complications include injury to the heart arteries, infection, bleeding or bruising at the catheter site, allergic response to the dye or contrast, kidney damage, blood clots leading to stroke or heart attack, and abdominal bleeding (retroperitoneal bleeding), says Dr. Mittal.

Post-Angioplasty Care

To maintain a healthy heart post angioplasty, you should: –

• Make sure you have the correct medications
• Understand wound care and cleanliness
• Maintain regular doctor visits
• Do only light activities in the first few weeks after discharge
• Make an effort to eat a more balanced, nutritious diet
• Quit smoking and drinking
• Participate in cardiac rehab

Diet After Angioplasty

As you recover from angioplasty, consider adding these foods to your daily meal plans:-

• Fruits & Vegetables
• Healthy Oils
• Nuts
• Whole grains
• Sprouts or legumes
• Freshly brewed tea
• Dark chocolate

Exercise After Angioplasty

The most effective way to maintain healthy heart health is exercise. Here’s what you need to know to create an exercise routine during coronary angioplasty and beyond recovery.

• Aerobic exercise
• Aim for 2.5 hours of moderate exercise per week
• Cycling
• Brisk walking
• Swimming

Thus, angioplasty, a vital medical procedure, opens narrowed or blocked arteries, improves blood flow, and treats conditions such as coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, and carotid artery disease. This procedure can be performed through balloon angioplasty or stent placement, with the choice made on a case-by-case basis. While angioplasty is generally safe and highly successful, it does come with some potential risks and complications, and post-procedure care is crucial for a healthy recovery. Overall, angioplasty plays a significant role in enhancing cardiovascular health and preventing severe cardiac events.

FAQs

1. Is Angioplasty a major surgery?

No, Angioplasty is considered a minimally invasive procedure.

2. How long does it take to recover from Angioplasty?

Most people can return to work within a week, with some lifting restrictions.

3. Are there risks associated with Angioplasty?

While generally safe, potential risks include bleeding, infection, or a reaction to the dye. Serious complications are rare.

4. Will I need to take medications after Angioplasty?

Yes, you’ll likely need to take medications like blood thinners to prevent clots and other medications as prescribed by your doctor.

5. Can arteries re-block after Angioplasty?

Yes, arteries can re-block, but stents and adherence to a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk. Regular follow-up appointments with your doctor are crucial.

Explore more blogs: What is Coronary Angioplasty, and How Can it Save Your Life?