General health information, not a diagnosis. In an emergency, call 102. Always consult a qualified health professional.
Coronary angioplasty and stenting: Opening a narrowed heart artery with a balloon and usually a stent, through a catheter in the wrist or groin. It is done for heart attack (urgent) or chest pain from blocked arteries.
Opening a narrowed heart artery with a balloon and usually a stent, through a catheter in the wrist or groin.
Heart attack (urgent) or chest pain from blocked arteries.
Blood tests, ECG; blood thinners are started.
Bleeding at the access site, artery damage, stent clotting, kidney injury from contrast.
Often home in 1 to 2 days; antiplatelet medicines must be continued exactly as prescribed.
What is angioplasty?
Opening a narrowed heart artery with a balloon and usually a stent, through a catheter in the wrist or groin.
Why is angioplasty done?
Heart attack (urgent) or chest pain from blocked arteries.
How do I prepare for angioplasty?
Blood tests, ECG; blood thinners are started.
How long is recovery after angioplasty?
Often home in 1 to 2 days; antiplatelet medicines must be continued exactly as prescribed.
What are the risks of angioplasty?
Bleeding at the access site, artery damage, stent clotting, kidney injury from contrast.
SI summary (own words); MedlinePlus (NLM) and NHS as references