During the procedure, an interventional cardiologist inserts a small, thin tube called a catheter into the artery. The catheter is carefully maneuvered into the clogged artery on the outer surface of the heart. Once the catheter in place, a tiny balloon is inserted and quickly inflated and deflated. This pushes the cholesterol filled plaque that’s blocking the artery into the artery wall, clearing the blockage and improving blood flow.
In most cases a tiny metal cylinder or coil — called a stent — will also be put in place during the procedure. The stent contains a medicine on its surface that helps prevent the artery from becoming blocked again in the future.
Coronary angioplasty can be performed in an emergency setting during a heart attack. It can also be performed as an elective procedure for those who are experiencing heart disease-related symptoms.
Is Elective Coronary Angioplasty Right for You?
You may be a good candidate for elective coronary angioplasty if you have a significant narrowing or blockage of a coronary artery, or you have symptoms of heart disease caused by a hardening of the arteries.
Heart disease symptoms can include:
- Chest pain or discomfort…also called angina
- Shortness of breath
- Extreme tiredness
- Dizziness
- Swelling of the legs
Your physician may recommend elective coronary angioplasty if you:
- Have had a heart attack
- Have significant narrowing or blocking of your coronary arteries
- Have had an abnormal cardiac stress test
- Have a heart rhythm disorder
- Are not feeling better despite medicines and lifestyle changes to reverse hardening of the arteries
- Have previously had a coronary bypass graft … or CABG… to treat a blockage or narrowing of one or more of the coronary arteries and the area has closed or narrowed
Your doctor will review your symptoms and health history to determine if elective coronary angioplasty is your best option.
What to Expect After Elective Coronary Angioplasty
The majority of patients recover quickly from elective coronary angioplasty and experience immediate improvement from symptoms such as shortness of breath and angina.
Most patients go home the same day or the next morning and recovery time at home is minimal. Further, most patients find that they can resume their normal activities within a week after the procedure.
In some cases, after recovery, your doctor may recommend a cardiac rehabilitation (LINK) program to help you learn how to live a healthier lifestyle and manage your long-term heart health.
Following a coronary angioplasty, most patients continue under the care of their primary care physician and a cardiologist to regularly monitor their blood pressure and cholesterol and to help maintain overall good health.
If you or a loved one is suffering from symptoms of heart disease or shortness of breath that interfere with daily life, speak with your primary care physician or cardiologist about the benefits of cardiac catheterization and possible elective coronary angioplasty.