Who Needs Coronary Angioplasty?
Coronary angioplasty is used to restore blood flow to the heart when the coronary arteries have become narrowed or blocked due to coronary artery disease (CAD). When medicines and lifestyle changes, such as following a healthy diet, quitting smoking, and getting more physical activity, don’t improve your CAD symptoms, your doctor will talk to you about other treatment options. These options include angioplasty and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), a type of open-heart surgery. Your doctor will take into account a number of factors when recommending the best procedure for you. These factors include how severe your blockages are, where they’re located, and other diseases you may have. Angioplasty is often used when there is less severe narrowing or blockage in your arteries, and when the blockage can be reached during the procedure. CABG might be chosen if you have severe heart disease, multiple arteries that are blocked, or if you have diabetes or heart failure. Compared with CABG
