07/06/2023
Angioplasty is a procedure performed to treat certain types of cardiovascular conditions, typically involving the narrowing or blockage of blood vessels. It is commonly used to address coronary artery disease, where the arteries supplying blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked due to a buildup of plaque.
Angioplasty may be recommended for patients in the following situations:
Angina: If a patient experiences chest pain or angina due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle caused by blockages in the coronary arteries, angioplasty may be performed to open up the blocked vessels and restore blood flow.
Heart Attack: During a heart attack, a coronary artery may become completely blocked, leading to severe damage to the heart muscle. Angioplasty is often performed as an emergency procedure to reopen the blocked artery and restore blood flow, minimizing heart muscle damage and improving the patient's prognosis.
Stable Coronary Artery Disease: For patients with stable coronary artery disease, angioplasty may be recommended if medications and lifestyle changes are not effectively managing their symptoms or if they are at high risk for future cardiovascular events.
Acute Coronary Syndrome: This term encompasses unstable angina and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), where patients may have partial blockages in the coronary arteries that cause symptoms like chest pain or discomfort at rest or with minimal exertion. Angioplasty may be performed to treat the underlying blockages and reduce the risk of further complications.
It's important to note that the decision to undergo angioplasty is based on a thorough evaluation of the patient's individual medical condition, symptoms, diagnostic tests, and risk factors. A cardiologist or cardiac surgeon will assess the patient's case and determine the most appropriate treatment approach, which may include angioplasty or other interventions.