Angioplasty

What is angioplasty?

Angioplasty is a procedure to open blocked coronary arteries and improve blood flow to your heart muscle. 

During the procedure, doctors insert a thin, flexible tube (catheter) into an artery in your upper leg or wrist and guide it to the blocked artery in your heart. The catheter has a balloon at the end, which the doctor then inflates to widen the artery and improve blood flow. 

During angioplasty, doctors can also place a stent, a small wire-mesh tube that helps keep the artery open.

Who's a candidate for angioplasty?

Angioplasty can treat a heart attack or relieve symptoms of stable angina (chest pain or discomfort). You may be a candidate for angioplasty if you:

• have frequent or severe angina that's not responding to medicine and lifestyle changes
• have had a test that showed one narrowed coronary artery that’s causing severely reduced blood flow to an area of heart muscle 
• have an artery that’s likely to be treated successfully with angioplasty
• are in good enough health to have the procedure

You may not be a candidate if:

• there's no evidence of reduced blood flow to your heart muscle
• you don't have angina symptoms, or you feel that you can live well with your symptoms
• you're at risk of complications during angioplasty due to other health problems
• the anatomy of your artery makes angioplasty or stenting too risky or will interfere with the success of the procedure

Talk to your doctor about whether angioplasty is right for you.

• Inform your doctor about all medications and natural health products you take, especially blood thinners such as aspirin.
• Follow your doctor’s instructions about pausing or continuing medications, and their instructions for when to stop eating and drinking before the procedure.

During the procedure

• You may receive medication to help you relax or induce light sleep.
• The procedure typically lasts 30 to 90 minutes.
• The doctor inserts a catheter into an artery in your upper leg (groin) or wrist and guides it to the coronary arteries.
• They inject dye through the catheter to identify any blocked or narrowed arteries.
• They thread a tiny balloon through the catheter, then inflate it to open blocked or narrowed arteries.

After the procedure

• Our care team will move you to a recovery room or the coronary care unit for monitoring. We’ll check your catheter insertion site for bleeding.
• You may have a bandage or compression device on the insertion site to prevent bleeding.
• You may be discharged the same day or stay in the hospital for at least one night.
• You should avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting until your doctor allows it.
• We may recommend that you go to cardiac rehab treatment to help you recover and adopt heart-healthy habits.

Benefits of angioplasty

Angioplasty can help you avoid heart attacks and live a healthier, more active life. Some of its key benefits include:

• Improved blood flow: Angioplasty helps restore blood flow to the heart muscle, which can relieve chest pain, shortness of breath and other symptoms of heart disease. Reduced heart symptoms can lead to a better quality of life and increase your ability to participate in physical activities.
• Reduced risk of heart attack: By opening up blocked arteries and improving blood flow to the heart, angioplasty can help prevent heart attacks. Reducing your risk of a future heart attack can provide peace of mind and allow you to live with less fear and anxiety.
• Increased longevity: Your improved heart function can lead to a longer, healthier life, with more time to spend with loved ones and pursue your passions.