How primary angioplasty will work?

Primary Angioplasty (PTCA) is a procedure where a balloon catheter is inserted into a blocked artery through a blood vessel in the arm or leg. 

By inflating a balloon, a narrowed artery is widened. Restoring blood flow is made possible by this action.

PTCA is performed in hospitals to treat heart attacks and other types of blockages in arteries. It is usually done within 24 hours after the patient has symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness.

This procedure is often recommended for patients with a previous heart attack. It is also sometimes used to prevent future heart problems.

How does primary angioplasty work?

Primary angioplasty is a procedure performed to open blocked arteries. It involves inserting a balloon catheter into the narrowed artery. Once inside, the balloon is inflated to expand the vessel opening. If the blockage cannot be cleared using this method, then a stent may be inserted to keep the vessel open.

Who can benefit from angioplasty?

1. Patients who have had a heart attack

Angioplasty is often performed after a patient has suffered a heart attack. If the blockage is severe enough, angioplasty may not be able to clear the blockage and the patient may need bypass surgery.

 2. Patients who have high cholesterol

High cholesterol levels can cause plaque build-up in arteries and lead to heart attacks. Angioplasty helps remove some of the plaque buildups and lowers cholesterol levels.

 3. Patients who have clogged coronary arteries

A buildup of plaque inside coronary arteries leads to coronary artery disease (CAD). As the plaque hardens, it narrows the arteries and reduces blood flow. Angioplasty opens up the narrowed arteries and increases blood flow.

4. Patients who have had carotid endarterectomy

A carotid endarterectomy removes plaque from the carotid arteries, which supply oxygenated blood to the brain. Plaque build-up in these arteries can increase the risk of stroke. Angioplasty can help prevent strokes caused by plaque build-up.

 5. Patients who have had previous angioplasties

Patients who have undergone angioplasty before may require additional procedures. Angioplasty might not work well if the original procedure was unsuccessful.

6. Patients who have had stents placed

Stents are small metal tubes that are placed in the coronary arteries to keep them open. Stents are sometimes placed after angioplasty to keep the artery open. Angioplasty alone may not be sufficient to keep the artery open long-term.

7. Patients who have had bypass surgery

Bypass surgery involves removing damaged sections of the heart muscle and connecting two healthy arteries together to allow blood to flow around the blocked area. Bypass surgery is done to treat CAD.

Primary Angioplasty Indications

1. Acute coronary syndrome (ACS)

Acute coronary syndrome (ACI) is a medical condition where blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked. ACS includes unstable angina pectoris, non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), and sudden cardiac death.

 2. Stable angina pectoris

Stable angina pectori is a chronic disease characterized by chest pain due to coronary artery spasms or atherosclerosis. Angina is caused by the narrowing of the arteries supplying oxygenated blood to the heart.

3. Myocardial infarction

Myocardial infarction is a type of heart attack that occurs when a portion of the heart muscle dies because of a lack of oxygen supply. In some cases, the cause of MI is not known.

 4. Coronary artery bypass grafting

Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery involves using veins or arteries from other parts of the body to connect the aorta directly to the coronary arteries. CABG surgery is performed to treat severe blockage of the coronary arteries.

5. Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA)

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTLA) is a procedure to open clogged coronary arteries. PTLA uses a catheter to guide a balloon across the narrowed area. When the balloon is inflated, it expands the vessel and opens the clog.

 6. Coronary stenting

Coronary stenting is a treatment option for patients who have had a previous PTCA and have developed restenosis. The artery is kept open by placing a stent inside it.

 7. Cardiac arrest

When normal blood circulation ceases, cardiac arrest occurs. Sudden onset or a gradual one is possible. If untreated, it can lead to brain damage or death.

Patients who have primary angioplasty generally stay in the hospital for three days

Angioplasty is typically performed within 24 hours of a heart attack. Patients who undergo angioplasty are usually admitted to the hospital for observation for 3 days. Afterward, they are released back home.

Follow-up care and support for angioplasty patients

1. Follow-up Care

After an angioplasty procedure, follow-up care is critical to ensure the patient's recovery. Patients should have their blood pressure checked regularly, especially if they have had a heart attack or stroke. If any symptoms occur, contact your heart attack specialist immediately.

 2. Supportive Care

Patients who undergo angioplasty may experience some side effects after the procedure. These side effects include chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, leg swelling, and headaches. Heart specialists in Coimbatore should be notified immediately if patients experience these symptoms.

 3. Medications

Angioplasty patients need to take certain medications after the procedure. These medications include aspirin, beta-blockers, nitrates, and statins. Aspirin helps prevent clots from forming in arteries, while beta blockers help reduce high blood pressure.

Nitrates relax muscles in the body, helping to relieve chest pains. Statins lower cholesterol levels and protect the heart.

 4. Diet

The diet of angioplasty patients should consist of foods rich in fiber and low in fat. It is recommended to consume fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and beans. The consumption of low-fat dairy products and lean meats is also recommended.

5. Exercise

Exercise is recommended for angioplasty survivors. Regular exercise increases circulation and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. Patients should start exercising at least 30 minutes per day, three times a week.

6. Smoking

Smoking cigarettes is not advised for angioplasty victims. Cigarettes raise blood pressure, increase the risk of heart attacks, and cause lung damage. In addition, smoking decreases the effectiveness of medication and makes it harder for the body to heal.

 7. Alcohol

Alcohol consumption is discouraged for angioplasty recipients. Drinking alcohol raises blood pressure and lowers the amount of oxygen carried in the bloodstream. Furthermore, it impairs your healing process and causes several problems in your body.

Take Away

In myocardial infarction, people with a heart attack choose primary angioplasty. This treatment should be considered only after all other options have failed.