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Angioplasty

Angioplasty

What is Angioplasty meaning?

An angioplasty is a surgical procedure that opens the blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to your heart muscle. Coronary arteries are another name for these blood vessels. This procedure is frequently performed immediately following a heart attack by doctors.

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, also known as percutaneous coronary intervention, is another name for the procedure. In many cases, a coronary artery stent is placed after angioplasty. The stent keeps the blood flowing and prevents the artery from narrowing again.

An angioplasty stent performed within the first few hours after a heart attack may reduce your risk of complications. Timing is everything. The sooner you receive treatment for a heart attack, the lower your chances of developing heart failure, other complications, and dying.

Who Performs Angioplasty?

A qualified Cardiologist performs Angioplasty. The cardiologist who performs Angioplasty may sometimes be referred to as an Angioplasty surgeon.

Types of Angioplasty

Angioplasty is classified into two types:

  • Balloon angioplasty is a procedure that uses the pressure of an inflating balloon to clear plaque from an artery.
  • Stent placement in the artery involves the insertion of a tube, or stent, made of wire mesh.

Preparations Before Angioplasty

Your doctor will tell you with instructions to assist you in preparing.

  • Before angioplasty, your doctor may advise you to adjust or discontinue certain medications, such as aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or blood thinners. Tell your doctor about all medications you are taking, including herbal supplements.
  • You should avoid eating or drinking six to eight hours before an angiography.
  • On the morning of your procedure, take approved medications with only small sips of water.
  • Bring all of your medications with you to the hospital, including nitroglycerin if you use it.
  • Make arrangements for return transportation. Angioplasty typically necessitates an overnight hospital stay, and you will not be able to drive yourself home the following day.

How Long Does Angioplasty Take?

A coronary angioplasty typically takes 30 minutes to 2 hours, but it can take longer. You'll be asked to lie down on an X-ray table on your back. You will get attached to a heart monitor and given a local anesthetic to numb your skin.

Risks Associated with Angioplasty?

Every medical procedure may carry some level of risk. You may have some allergic reaction to the anesthetic, dye, or some of the materials used in the angioplasty, just as you might with many other types of invasive procedures. Other risks related to coronary angioplasty include:

  • Scar tissue or blood clots that are forming in the stent an irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia damage to a blood vessel, heart valve, or artery a heart attack
  • kidney damage, particularly in people who already have kidney problems an infection
  • The risk of stroke is also associated with this procedure, but it is low.

Angioplasty Benefits

Angioplasty is a life-saving procedure. It is the most efficient way to restore the blood flow to the heart again quickly. The sooner your doctor restores your blood supply, the lesser the less damage will be done to your heart muscles. Angioplasty also relieves chest pain and prevents shortness of breath and other symptoms associated with a heart attack.

  • It can save your life and reduce heart muscle damage during a heart attack by restoring blood flow to the heart
  • It is an excellent way to open narrowed arteries.  


Angioplasty also significantly cut shorts the chances of more invasive open-heart bypass surgery, which requires prolonged recovery time. Angioplasty serves to lower the risk of another heart attack. It may also increase your chances of survival more than the medications you take to break up blood clots.

Angioplasty Recovery

After undergoing this procedure, the doctor explains how to maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle. Angioplasty recovery is very smooth if you take your medications as prescribed by your doctor. Here's are some recovery tips that can help you in getting fit quickly. 

  • If you’re a smoker, immediately quit smoking.

  • Eat a well-balanced diet

  • Take part in some exercise or activity every day which may help lower your blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels.

  • Have frequent follow-ups for a month

Healthy lifestyle choices are always the best bet to reduce the chances of having another heart attack. You might think about angioplasty risks but those are way less if compared to those of bypass surgery and rather it saves you from a lot of complications.

Exercising is always recommended by the doctor, it helps speed up recovery and it is also a key component of a healthy lifestyle. Exercise is known to improve:

  • Fitness level
  • Control blood pressure
  • Balance weight and cholesterol
  • Keep you relaxed

Always start with short and simple walks and you can later increase the intensity gradually.

Frequently Asked Questions

Click here to book an online surgical procedure through Marham.pk or you can also call us at 04232591427 or 0311-1222398 from 9 am - 11 pm to book an online lab test.

Cost varies depending on the type of surgery and locality.

Yes Angioplasty surgery available in Pakistan?

Angioplasty has been successful in more than 90% of the cases. Only 30% to 40% of patients with successful coronary angioplasty may go on to develop recurrent narrowing at the site of balloon inflation.
Angioplasty is a way less invasive way to open clogged arteries than bypass surgery. However, it still carries some risks. The most common risks associated with angioplasty are re-narrowing of your arteries (restenosis). With angioplasty alone, without stent placement, restenosis may happen in about 30% of the cases.
Normally, a two-days complete rest is recommended by the doctors after an angioplasty.
An angioplasty lasts between 1-3 hours.
You are required to stay in the hospital overnight under observation.
Angioplasty is a procedure in which the blood vessels that supply the blood to heart are opened. Stent is a small, metallic mesh tube inserted inside an artery that expands. A stent is placed after angioplasty.
1. No heavy-lifting. 2. Avoid driving until your doctor says you can. 3. Quit smoking. 4. Change dietary habits. 5. Cardiac rehabilitation or get a physical therapist. 6. Take your medication on time.

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