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Coronary Angioplasty: Before Your Procedure
Coronary Angioplasty: Before Your ProcedureCoronary arteries help the heart by supplying it with oxygen-rich blood. Coronary artery disease, also calledheart disease, happens when cholesterol and fats build up in your coronary arteries.This buildup is called plaque. It can limit blood flow to the heart muscle. This can lead to symptoms such aschest pain or pressure. Angioplasty is a procedure to open narrowed or blocked arteries.This helps blood flow to the heart muscle, so you have less pain and can be more active. Before yourangioplasty, you may get medicine that relaxes you or puts you in a light sleep. The doctor will not make anycuts to do the procedure.Instead, the doctor makes a small poke— in a blood vessel in your arm or groin, on the upper thigh— and putsa thin tube called a catheter into the blood vessel. To guide the catheter, your doctor looks at pictures of yourheart using an X-ray.The doctor moves the catheter to the narrowed part of the artery. Next the doctor inflates a tiny balloon to openthe artery. Then the balloon is deflated and removed. The pressure from the inflated balloon makes more roomfor the blood to flow.The doctor usually places a stent in the artery to keep it open after the balloon is removed. This helps bloodand oxygen flow more normally into the heart muscle. When finished, your doctor removes the catheter. You'llstay in a recovery room for a few hours.This is to make sure the catheter site has healed enough to stop any bleeding. The nurse may use somethinglike a weighted bag to put pressure on the catheter site to keep it from bleeding.Before the procedure, tell your doctor about all the medicines and natural health products you take, especiallyblood thinners, like aspirin. Some can raise the risk of bleeding or cause problems with anesthesia. Yourdoctor will tell you which medicines to take or stop before the procedure.And follow your doctor’s directions for preparing for your procedure, including when you should stop eating anddrinking. Bring your photo ID, insurance card, and any paperwork your hospital may have asked for.Angioplasty can help you feel better and manage your symptoms. But, remember, angioplasty doesn't cureyour heart disease. The good news is that any steps you take to care for your heart can help you manage yoursymptoms or prevent a future heart attack.Having angioplasty may be stressful. But knowing what to expect and how to prepare can help. And if youhave any questions or concerns, you can always call your doctor.This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.© The Wellness Network
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