Cardiologists perform angioplasty to open blocked arteries, specifically those caused by coronary disease. This minimally invasive alternative to open heart surgery can restore proper blood flow to the heart and often reverse the fast track to a heart attack. However, learning when one is necessary is crucial for treatment success.
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a form of heart disease that often takes many years to develop. It affects the coronary arteries, the primary blood vessels that push blood to the heart. When a buildup of fat deposits, cholesterol, and other substances occurs on the artery walls, it triggers a condition called atherosclerosis, which results in CAD.
Symptoms of this disease include:
The above symptoms are only if the fat deposits begin to build up, but blood can still flow to the heart, albeit obstructed. However, if the arteries are completely clogged, it will lead to a heart attack. Note that it is impossible for a patient to know by themselves whether their arteries are partially or completely blocked. The aforementioned symptoms are also signs of a heart attack, in addition to cold sweats, heartburn, and discomfort in the shoulder blades, arm, back, neck, jaw, and teeth. Therefore, if the symptoms occur, especially if more than one is present and seemingly without cause, patients need to seek medical services immediately.
Patients and other medical professionals consult a cardiologist when addressing medical matters of the heart. Before considering open heart surgery to address blockages, the cardiologist will consider angioplasty or coronary angioplasty. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, cardiologists can perform an angioplasty in an emergency room setting or as an elective surgery if one's primary healthcare provider suspects they have heart disease.
Angioplasty involves placing a catheter into a blood vessel and guiding it to the blocked artery. This minimally invasive procedure can restore blood flow to the heart. Typically, a stent is placed in the same area to keep the arteries open, but this can vary from patient to patient.
Before beginning the angioplasty, our team will ensure the patient is physically able to handle the procedure by checking the patient's blood pressure, heart rate, pulse, body temperature, and oxygen levels. We will also check each of these vitals during and after the procedure. If all is well, we will sedate the patient to prevent discomfort. However, note that most patients remain awake.
The cardiologist will use imaging machines to guide the catheter and stent into place to perform the angioplasty. Once locating the blocked artery, the cardiologist will make a small incision in the chest to reach the area and insert the catheter. They then insert a dye to help the blood vessels, and the total number of blockages better show up on the imaging technology.
Next, the cardiologist will inflate the balloon attached to the end of the catheter to widen the artery walls. They will then place a stent, a mesh coil, to help keep the artery walls in their new position. Stents hold medicine that they slowly release into the arteries to prevent them from re-narrowing. Note that if the patient has multiple blockages, the process is repeated.
Depending on why they underwent angioplasty, some patients may need to remain in the hospital. While the cardiologist may permit some patients to return home the same day, they must take it easy for the first 24 hours by avoiding strenuous activities and stress at all costs. Further, they will take any prescribed medications and plenty of fluids. The cardiologist will provide more pertinent details to each patient during the process.
Angioplasty is often the last step you can take before needing open heart surgery. If you have been experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned earlier or have been advised you have a form of heart disease, contact our Boynton Beach office. We can craft a personalized treatment plan before more serious complications occur.
Request an appointment here: https://boyntonbeach.floridapremiercardio.com or call Florida Premier Cardiology at (561) 229-1411 for an appointment in our Boynton Beach office.
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