Angioplasty and stent placement are surgical procedures and all surgical processes have risk factors associated to the same. Since the procedure is involved with arteries and the heart, the risk of adverse effects gets enhanced manifold times.
Some of the risk factors which are associated with the process include:
Many people are so scared of the procedure that they refuse to undergo the process at all. This increases the risk of heart ailments, even causing fatal consequences.
Usually when one is advised to undergo angioplasty and stent placement in coronary arteries due to heart attack or other emergency coronary heart disease, practically there is no time to prepare. However, if the procedure is planned with plenty of time in hand, there are many preparations which need to be taken in that case. Some of them are as follows:
If you thought that angioplasty and stent placement involves huge cuts and incisions on the body, you are mistaken. It is a minimally invasive procedure and hence the recovery time is also short. Mentioned below are the steps which take place during the procedure:
There are some stents, which have medication coating on them and the medicine slowly gets released into the artery. These are known as “drug eluting stents (DES)”. The purpose of these stents is helping in fighting fibrosis. In many patients bare metal stents, which are not coated in medicine are also used.
Initially, there might be soreness at the incision site. Taking general painkillers can be helpful in combating this problem. Medicines will be prescribed so that blood is prevented from coagulating. The body gradually starts adjusting to the new stent, which is installed in the body.
Overnight stay at the hospital is recommended after the process of angioplasty, so that no complications take place like blood clotting, bleeding or issues with the flow of blood to the heart. In many patients, the stay at the hospital is extended if he/she has suffered from a heart attack or other cardiac ailments.
On returning home, it is recommended to drink abundant fluids and keep low physical activity for some time. The doctor will provide clear instructions and these should be followed strictly.
It is true that with angioplasty and stent placement, your life is saved from grave mishaps. But it is important that proper lifestyle changes are maintained and followed for improving heart health. Eating a balanced diet, exercising a little and quitting smoking and drinking is highly recommended.
Director of Cath lab Latamangeshkar Hospital Digdoh Hills HingnaHead of Cardiology Department
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