Angioplasty and stents for blocked arteries

Angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure to open clogged heart arteries. An Angioplasty also called balloon angioplasty or percutaneous transluminal angioplasty. During the procedure, we insert a small balloon catheter in the blocked blood vessel to widen it and improve the blood flow to your heart.

We may also insert a stent (a small wire mesh) during an angioplasty. Doctors use stent to prop-up the artery reducing the chances of it narrowing again. Most stents are medicated (drug-eluting stents) to help to keep your arteries open.

Why is an angioplasty required?

Angioplasty treats the buildup of fatty plaque (atherosclerosis) in your heart’s blood vessels. You may need an angioplasty procedure if

You have coronary heart disease (plaque in the arteries in your heart or leading up to your heart).
You have peripheral arteries disease (plaque in the arteries at the extremities, especially near your legs).
You have carotid arteries disease (plaque in the arteries near your brain).
You are experiencing angina pain.
You have a heart attack. The procedure can quickly open your blocked artery and reduce the damage to your heart.
Chronic kidney damage.
Plaque buildup because of high cholesterol or high blood pressure. The Insert-best cardiologist in Hyderabad will recommend the procedure depending on your heart’s condition and your general health.

How is it performed?

Before you have an angioplasty procedure the best cardiologist in Hyderabad will have a comprehensive physical exam and they will order Insert-blood tests at home to evaluate your general health. You may have a procedure called an angiogram to determine where the location of the blockage. The best cardiologist usually does an angiogram and angioplasty one after the other.

The Insert-best doctors in Hyderabad will give you detailed instructions to help you prepare for the procedure.

The best cardiologist in Hyderabad will perform the procedure under local anesthesia. They perform angioplasty in a cardiac catheterization lab. Your vital parameters will be monitored closely during the procedure. Angioplasty is done through an artery in your groin, arm or wrist area. An incision is made in the area and the catheter with the balloon will be inserted into your artery. The best cardiologist in Hyderabad will locate the blocked artery with the help of x-ray, videos, and dyes. The balloon is inflated at the site of blockage widening the blocked artery. A stent may be inserted during the procedure. After the artery is stretched the balloon is deflated, and the catheter is removed. Angioplasty may take several hours depending on the location of the arteries, complexities, and number of blockages.

The benefits and risks of the procedure

There are several benefits of getting an angioplasty procedure

It can reduce the damage to your heart muscle during a heart attack by restoring the flow of blood.
Reduce symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
Reduce the risks of stroke
Improve the functioning of your kidneys
Improve blood flow to the legs and reduce the risk of gangrene.
Risks of getting an angioplasty procedure

Re-narrowing of the arteries, especially when a stent is not used. Bare-metal stents have a 10-20% chance of collapsing.
A blood clot can enter the stent and close the artery. This may cause a heart attack. The best doctor near me will prescribe medication to reduce the risk of blood clots.
An allergic reaction to the dye.
If there are too many blockages, the best cardiologist near me may opt for by-pass.
Damage to the blood vessel where the catheter is introduced.
It is important to follow the instruction of the best cardiologist in Hyderabad after an angioplasty. You need to take the required medication and adopt a healthy lifestyle.