CORONARY ANGIOPLASTY

A coronary angioplasty is a procedure used to widen blocked or narrowed coronary arteries (the main blood vessels supplying the heart).

The term "angioplasty" means using a balloon to stretch open a narrowed or blocked artery. However, most modern angioplasty procedures also involve inserting a short wire-mesh tube, called a stent, into the artery during the procedure. The stent is left in place permanently to allow blood to flow more freely.The combination of coronary angioplasty with stenting is usually referred to as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

When a coronary angioplasty is used

Like all organs in the body, the heart needs a constant supply of blood. This is supplied by the coronary arteries.

In some people, these arteries can become narrowed and hardened (known as atherosclerosis), which can cause coronary heart disease.

If the flow of blood to the heart becomes restricted, it can lead to chest pain known as angina, which is usually triggered by physical activity or stress.

While angina can often be treated with medication, a coronary angioplasty is required to restore the blood supply to the heart.Coronary angioplasties are also used as an emergency treatment after a heart attack.