Angioplasty and Heart Stents: Risks, Benefits & What You Must Know in 2025

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Angioplasty and Heart Stents: Risks, Benefits & What You Must Know in 2025

Cardiovascular diseases remain one of the leading causes of death worldwide. As such, procedures like angioplasty and the insertion of heart stents have become increasingly common. But while these medical interventions save lives, they also carry risks. This article dives into the essential details of angioplasty, its benefits, potential risks, and things you must consider before undergoing the procedure.

🫀 What is Angioplasty?

Angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to open blocked or narrowed arteries in the heart. During the procedure, a balloon-tipped catheter is inserted into the blood vessel and inflated to widen the artery. A stent, a tiny wire mesh tube, is usually placed to keep the artery open long-term.

✅ Benefits of Angioplasty and Stent Placement

  • Immediate Relief: Reduces chest pain (angina) and improves blood flow.
  • Minimally Invasive: Compared to open-heart surgery, angioplasty has a shorter recovery period.
  • Reduces Heart Attack Risk: Especially in emergency cases, angioplasty can save lives by restoring blood flow quickly.
  • Improves Quality of Life: Most patients experience improved stamina, breathing, and daily function.

⚠️ Risks and Side Effects

While angioplasty is generally safe, like all medical procedures, it comes with certain risks:

  • Blood Clots: May form inside the stent even weeks after the procedure.
  • Artery Re-narrowing (Restenosis): Especially common without drug-eluting stents.
  • Bleeding: At the catheter insertion site.
  • Allergic Reactions: To the dye or medications used.
  • Heart Attack or Stroke: Though rare, they are possible complications.

💡 Who Should Get an Angioplasty?

Not every heart patient is an ideal candidate for angioplasty. It is usually recommended for:

  • Patients with stable or unstable angina.
  • Patients having a heart attack (emergency angioplasty).
  • Those with one or two blocked coronary arteries.

📹 Watch This Video to Learn More:

📝 Post-Procedure Care and Lifestyle Changes

After a successful angioplasty, long-term lifestyle changes are essential to prevent recurrence:

  • Diet: Adopt a heart-healthy diet low in saturated fats and sodium.
  • Exercise: Moderate exercise like walking can help maintain circulation.
  • Quit Smoking: Smoking is one of the primary risk factors for heart disease.
  • Monitor Cholesterol and Blood Pressure: Keep them within recommended levels.

🩺 Alternatives to Angioplasty

Depending on the patient's condition, doctors may consider other treatments like:

  • Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)
  • Medication Management
  • Lifestyle Therapy and Natural Supplements

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