Angioplasty

Angioplasty is a medical procedure used to widen narrowed or obstructed arteries or veins, typically to treat conditions such as atherosclerosis. During angioplasty, a thin, flexible tube called a catheter with a balloon at its tip is inserted into the affected blood vessel. Once in place, the balloon is inflated to compress the plaque or fatty deposits against the artery walls, thereby widening the artery and restoring blood flow. In some cases, a stent (a small mesh tube) may be placed during the procedure to help keep the artery open. Angioplasty is often performed in the coronary arteries of the heart (coronary angioplasty) to relieve symptoms of angina or to treat acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), but it can also be used in other arteries and veins throughout the body.

Causes for Angioplasty

• Atherosclerosis: Buildup of plaque (cholesterol deposits) inside arteries, causing narrowing and reduced blood flow.
• Coronary Artery Disease: Narrowing of the coronary arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle.
• Peripheral Artery Disease: Narrowing of arteries outside the heart, such as those in the legs (femoral arteries).
• Acute Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack): Immediate treatment to restore blood flow to a blocked coronary artery.
• Angina: Chest pain or discomfort due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.
• Renal Artery Stenosis: Narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the kidneys.