Heart

The two main reasons angioplasty is performed are for: Angina (chest pain) – A person may experience chest pain, or angina, during exercise or stress because the heart’s arteries are too narrow to carry enough blood and oxygen to meet the increased demand. Different types of angina are discussed below. In those suffering angina, who have […]

The purpose of angioplasty is to widen the coronary arteries of the heart that have been narrowed or completely blocked by plaque build-up or a blood clot. Specifically which angioplasty technique the cardiologist uses depends on where the narrowing is, how it is shaped, and whether it is made of hard or soft plaque. The

After scheduling angioplasty, the cardiologist or another member of the medical team will review all the details about the angioplasty procedure, including: The diagnostic cardiac catheterization that will be performed beforehand What to do the night and morning before the procedure What happens during the procedure What happens during recovery What to do after arriving home

Angioplasty is considered safe and effective, although, as with all medical treatments, there is some risk. In general, possible complications fall into two categories: Acute complications – These are complications that occasionally occur during the procedure or immediately afterward. Long-term complications – Even when the angioplasty procedure is performed without problems, the artery can narrow again months

A person who has been taking medication for angina but is still experiencing frequent or severe chest pain may need either angioplasty to widen the narrowed artery, or coronary artery bypass surgery to create a different blood vessel for supplying the heart with blood. Over the long run, the two procedures are equally successful in

Here are some frequently asked questions related to angioplasty. Q: My doctor has told me I should have an angioplasty. How do I choose who should do it and where it should be done? A: As with other medical procedures, practice makes perfect, and the volume of procedures done, both by the physician and the hospital

Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to angioplasty. Angioplasty is now the most common procedure performed to widen coronary arteries narrowed bycoronary artery disease. Angioplasty can be done using one of several instruments attached to the end of a long, thin tube, called a catheter. These instruments include a balloon, a laser, and

Here are definitions of medical terms related to angioplasty. Angina: Temporary chest pain or feeling of pressure that occurs because the heart is not getting enough oxygen due to the diminished blood flow to the heart. There are two types: stable and unstable. Angioplasty: A procedure in which a physician threads a catheter through blood vessels and

Here are some reliable sources that can provide more information on angioplasty. American College of Cardiology Heart House  Phone: 301-897-5400 Phone: 800-253-4636 http://www.acc.org American Heart Association  Phone: 800-227-2345 Phone: 214-373-6300 http://www.americanheart.org National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Information Center  Phone: 800-575-WELL Phone: 301-251-1222 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov