Angioplasty: Types, Procedure, Risks, and Recovery

Angioplasty has transformed the lives of millions by restoring proper blood flow to the heart and significantly reducing the risk of fatal heart attacks. This is evidenced by over 2 million surgeries performed annually with such patients experiencing significantly reduced cases of severe complications and improved heart health.

Medical providers conduct more than 2 million angioplasty procedures annually, which results in increased survival rates worldwide. Through angioplasty, millions of patients have regained normal blood flow to their arteries to prevent fatal outcomes while eliminating potential heart attack dangers. 

You and your loved ones who plan to get angioplasty treatment will experience less stress after learning about the procedure, its recovery timeline, and financial implications. Heart diseases account for 32% of worldwide casualties, making knowledge about angioplasty procedures not only important but crucial for survival.

Your heart health requires attention, and preparation is essential for improving your life expectancy.

What is Angioplasty?

Angioplasty is an intervention in which blood vessels are widened or reopened to improve the flow of blood to the heart. Doctors use a thin pipe and a small balloon that opens the blocked arteries thus minimizing incidences of heart attacks and improving overall heart functioning.

During this medical treatment, doctors feed a thin catheter through either arm or groin blood vessels to expand the blocked area with a small inflated balloon. Medical staff use stents to keep blood vessels open permanently.

Why is Angioplasty Done?

Angioplasty is a medical procedure done by doctors to treat coronary artery disease since this condition causes most heart attacks globally. Plaque accumulation inside arteries blocks blood flow to the heart and raises heart attack and other health dangers. Angioplasty brings the heart’s blood supply back to normal which better relieves chest pain (angina) and strengthens heart functioning.

Research confirms that angioplasty effectively relieves heart pain and improves how patients with blocked arteries lead their daily lives. WHO statistics show that cardiovascular diseases account for 32% of global deaths so angioplasty becomes an essential treatment for sustained heart health.

Doctors treat coronary artery disease successfully through angioplasty because this condition leads worldwide as a heart attack trigger. Studies show angioplasty cuts heart pain and improves daily life quality for people with heart diseases. 

Types of Angioplasties

Medical professionals choose between different angioplasty procedures based on each patient’s health and arterial obstruction levels.

• Balloon Angioplasty: Angioplasty with balloons uses small inflated balloons to move plaque against artery walls, creating more expansive blood vessel space.
• Stent Placement Angioplasty: The medical procedure involves placing a flexible tube called a stent to prevent artery closure.
• Drug-Eluting Stent Angioplasty: The Drug-Eluting Stent contains medication coatings to stop artery re-narrowing after placement.
• Laser Angioplasty: Through Laser Angioplasty, a laser device breaks down arterial plaque to open blocked blood pathways.
• Rotational Atherectomy: The rotational device of Rotational Atherectomy removes calcium buildup in artery walls through its spinning motion.

Which Type of Angioplasty is Best for You?

The type of angioplasty recommended depends on factors such as:

• The severity of the blockage
• Patient’s medical history
• Presence of conditions like diabetes
• Risk of artery re-narrowing (restenosis)

The best way to decide which angioplasty method is correct for you is to consult a cardiologist. You need to let your doctor examine both your heart health status and daily routines to select proper angioplasty treatment. You need to talk with a cardiologist to find the ideal treatment based on your health situation.

Difference Between Angiography and Angioplasty

Angiography differs from angioplasty, although numerous people mistake the procedures for one another. Here’s a quick comparison:

When is Angioplasty Recommended?

A cardiologist typically considers angioplasty when one undergoes these symptoms:

• Severe chest pain (angina) due to blocked arteries.
• Shortness of breath.
• A heart attack develops from sudden blockage of an artery.
• Poor response to medications for coronary artery disease
• The condition causes blocked arteries that interfere with regular heart operations.

Who Should Avoid Angioplasty?

The life-saving procedure of angioplasty fails to benefit certain patients who have:

• If the patient has several blocked arteries needing bypass surgery.
• Extremely narrow arteries unsuitable for stents
• Severe kidney disease or other health complications

Angioplasty Cost

The expense of angioplasty depends on hospital infrastructure, whether to conduct stenting and the total number of required supplemental interventions. The price of angioplasty treatment in India spans between ₹1.5 lakhs to ₹4 lakhs based on the following aspects:

• Type of hospital and city
• Choice of stent (bare-metal or drug-eluting stent)
• Any post-procedure complications

Consult Mehta Hospital’s Cardiology staff for an accurate estimation.

Angioplasty Recovery Time

Patients’ healing duration is usually a few days, but complete recovery usually requires several weeks. After the procedure:

• Patient monitoring requires hospitalization that normally lasts between 1 and 2 days.
• The postoperative period requires avoiding vigorous activities for at least seven days.
• The timing of your return to work depends on your health condition, but it usually happens within one week.
• Proper lifestyle adjustments enable complete healing between 4 to 6 weeks.

Tips for Faster Recovery

• Take prescribed medications regularly
• Regular doctor check-ups require your attendance.
• Maintain a heart-healthy diet
• Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption
• Practice meditation and yoga as methods to handle stress levels effectively.

Diet for Angioplasty Patients

The key prevention method against future artery blockages is following heart-healthy dietary guidelines. Focus on:

• Fruits & Vegetables – Rich in antioxidants and fiber.
• Consuming whole grains will help reduce your cholesterol levels and improve heart health.
• Lean Proteins – Opt for fish, chicken, and plant-based proteins.
• Healthy Fats – Include nuts, seeds, and olive oil.

Consuming foods with low sodium content helps control blood pressure.

Foods to Avoid After Angioplasty

The key to keeping arteries in good condition requires limiting these specific foods.

• Processed Foods – High in unhealthy fats and sodium.
• Sugary Beverages – Increases risk of obesity and heart disease.
• Intake of red meat presents saturated fat components that threaten artery clearance.
• Fried Foods – Leads to inflammation and cholesterol buildup.

Eating too much salt pushes blood pressure levels upward, causing increased danger of heart disease.

How to Sleep After Angioplasty?

Your body requires appropriate rest to achieve healing. Here are some tips:

• Raise your head above the bed level by positioning additional pillows underneath it.
• Patients with stents should not sleep on their left side.  
• Select a solid mattress that offers back support.
• A calm atmosphere combined with reduced temperatures makes it easier to gain restful sleep.

Avoid consuming large portions of food or caffeinated beverages when preparing for sleep.

Conclusion

Angioplasty functions as a secure medical treatment that enhances cardiovascular wellness. Striving to maintain proper post-procedure care, diet changes, and a healthy lifestyle reduces your likelihood of future heart issues.

You can receive expert cardiac care at Mehta Hospital through the Cardiology Department.

Emergency Contact Number: Velanppanchavadi: 044 4047 4047

You must get emergency medical help when you or anyone close to you shows symptoms of heart problems. Your heart health matters!