- What it is: A procedure to open blocked heart arteries using a thin tube, balloon, and sometimes a stent to improve blood flow.
- What it does: Helps relieve chest pain, shortness of breath, and improves blood flow to your heart muscle.
- Why you might need it: Blocked coronary arteries from coronary artery disease or a heart attack.
- What to expect:
- Talk to your doctor about medications and allergies.
- May involve a coronary angiogram first.
- Lie on a table with X-ray cameras.
- Doctor inserts a thin tube into your arm or groin to inflate a balloon and widen the artery (sometimes placing a stent to keep it open).
- Takes 30 minutes to 2 hours.
- After the test:
- Rest for a while and then go home with follow-up instructions.
- Take medications to prevent blood clots and attend follow-up appointments.
- Risks:
- Low risk of bleeding, allergic reaction, kidney problems, stroke, or heart attack.
Helps open blocked arteries in your heart and improve blood flow!
