Coronary angioplasty: when and why you might need it

A coronary angioplasty is a treatment to improve blood flow to the heart. This procedure helps patients reduce or get rid of chest pain, fatigue, and breathlessness that is caused by restriction in the blood vessel or plaque buildup. In this article, a consultant cardiologist explains all about this procedure and when it is necessary.

Coronary angioplasty is used to reduce the effects of coronary heart disease, namely angina and dyspnoea, and ease the strain on the heart to prevent it from weakening. When there is reduced blood flow to the heart, it has to beat harder or more often in order to pick up the slack and ensure the flow continues as normal so that the organs and tissues around the body can continue to function as normal. The blood vessels can become obstructed over time due to too many fatty deposits called plaque in the blood, a condition that is called atherosclerosis. When the blood flow isn’t as it should be, the organs are at risk of shutting down and the heart also begins to fail due to the lack of oxygen supply that comes with blood. This procedure can greatly improve the life expectancy of patients who have heart conditions.

What happens during a coronary angioplasty?

The procedure is conducted by inserting a catheter into the femoral (groin) or, more often, the radial (wrist) artery and pushing it up to the coronary artery. When the catheter is in place, a wire is fed through with a balloon at the end, which is inflated after insertion to widen and create space in the artery. Often, the procedure will involve placing stents in the blood vessels, which are small mesh tubes that act as a sort of scaffold, supporting the structure of the blood vessels and keeping them open – this variation is called a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

When is a coronary angioplasty considered?

Coronary angioplasty is used in cases where patients are suffering from angina and medication has not been helpful. Normally, angina is treated with:

• beta blockers which limit the release of stress hormones to reduce blood pressure
• nitrates which relax the blood vessels and allow more blood to flow
• statins which lowers LDL cholesterol that causes the fatty deposits
• calcium channel blockers which stop calcium from reaching the heart which makes the heart work less

It can also be utilised for those who have chronic kidney disease or arterial diseases of the heart, the limbs, and the neck caused by atherosclerosis. In emergency cases, this procedure can be used for those having a heart attack, with better chances of survival than thrombolysis and reduces the chances of having another one in the future.

What are the benefits and disadvantages of coronary angioplasty?

Coronary angioplasties are some of the most common types of coronary procedures and are beneficial for patients because they are safe and minimally invasive as there will only be one incision point for the catheter. The risk for serious complications is small, but should still be considered appropriately as it can differ depending on the age of the patient and their physical health. This can include damage to the arteries, excessive bleeding, an induced heart attack, and a stroke.

This procedure is short and normally is conducted as a day case though some patients may need to stay at the hospital overnight. After a coronary angioplasty, patients can return to their normal activities within two weeks. Patients should feel relief from chest pain and breathlessness soon afterwards, and feel as though they have more energy and capability to do physical activities more often and for longer.

If you are having heart issues, you can arrange an appointment with one of our cardiology specialists today on Top Doctors.