What is Coronary Angioplasty?

Click here to view an animated version of this procedure.

Atherosclerosis is a disease of the arteries. Cholesterol and fatty deposits build up on the walls of the arteries. This restricts blood flow. When this build up happens in the heart, it may lead to a heart attack . Lifestyle changes and medicines can be used to treat atherosclerosis. If they are not enough, an angioplasty may be done.

Possible Complications

If you are planning to have an angioplasty, your doctor will review a list of possible complications which may include:

• Bleeding at the point of catheter insertion

• Damage to the walls of arteries, causing you to need additional procedures or surgery

• Heart attack or arrhythmia (abnormal heart beats)

• Allergic reaction to x-ray dye

• Blood clot formation

• Infection

Some factors that may increase the risk of complications include:

• Allergies to medicines, shellfish, or x-ray dye

• Obesity

• Smoking

• Bleeding disorder

• Age: 60 or older

• Recent pneumonia

• Recent heart attack

• Diabetes

• Kidney disease

Call Your Doctor

After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following...