Coronary Angiography And Angioplasty - An Insight On It!

Sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy food habits result in many lifestyle diseases, coronary heart diseases being one among them. One of the top 10 leading causes of death, heart attack might scare you, and it is necessary to know the facts to avoid risk factors and seek the best treatment.

The coronary arteries supply blood to your heart muscle. But at times, they can become blocked owing to the buildup of cholesterol and other substances known as plaque. It can reduce the flow of blood to the heart. When the blood flow is entirely restricted, it may result in a heart attack.

Doctors typically recommend angiography during or after a heart attack or in the case of angina to find out about the condition of the heart and proceed accordingly. If any blockages are observed, angioplasty would be advised to improve the blood flow to the heart by widening the narrowed arteries. Read on to know further details regarding this.

What is coronary angiogram?
A coronary angiogram is a special X-ray test which helps in detecting if any of the coronary arteries are narrowed or blocked, hindering the optimal flow of blood. It can help your cardiologist understand whether you need any treatment such as stent or angioplasty or simple medical therapy. 

During the process of angiography, your doctor would numb a spot in the arm or groin for inserting a thin catheter into the artery. You will get the feeling of a pinprick, and x-rays would be taken as the fluid goes through the coronary artery. After the process is completed, your doctor would discuss the results of the test with you and determine whether you need to undergo angioplasty.

What is coronary angioplasty?
A coronary angioplasty is a process which is used for widening blocked or narrowed blood vessels that supply blood to the heart. The term angioplasty entails using a balloon for stretching open the blocked artery. But the modern approaches to angioplasty procedures involve insertion of a short-wire mesh tube known as a stent. This stent is permanently left alone in the deployed state to allow free flow of blood to the heart. 

Coronary angioplasty is often referred to as percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty or PTCA. The combination of angioplasty together with stenting is known as a percutaneous coronary intervention. Even though angina can be easily treated with the help of medicine and some lifestyle changes, a coronary angioplasty may be required for restoring the flow of blood to the heart. Doctors recommend undergoing coronary angioplasty as an emergency treatment after a heart attack. 

What are the benefits of coronary angioplasty?
The flow of blood through the coronary arteries is massively improved after the coronary angioplasty. Many people find that the symptoms and discomfort are improved after undergoing this treatment. For individuals who have suffered a heart attack, angioplasty can significantly improve the chances of survival.

So, with this awareness, follow the doctor’s advice for a complete recovery from a heart attack. In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!