Angioplasty: One Option in Heart Disease Treatment
Heart disease is often characterized by a narrowing of the arteries that carry blood to the body from the heart. When these vessels have less room to move blood along, the heart must work much harder to pump the blood through. This can result in an increased risk of heart attack or stroke when the arteries become too blocked, and can put additional stress on the heart muscle. Because of the risk factors involved with this condition, it is important to find a heart disease treatment that will deal with your symptoms and prevent future problems from occurring. One treatment that is often used is a surgical procedure known as angioplasty.
What is Angioplasty?
Angioplasty is a heart disease treatment that is used to open up arteries that are partially or fully blocked. It consists of placing a tiny balloon inside the artery to push it open. Angioplasty is usually combined with the insertion of a stent that will prop open the artery and keep it open to allow blood to pass through freely. This heart disease treatment is generally recommended if lifestyle changes and medication are not sufficient in keeping arteries wide open. It can also be used as an emergency procedure to open up blocked arteries fast.
Angioplasty or Bypass Surgery
Another surgical heart disease treatment that is used is known as bypass surgery. Most people who have a small blockage that can easily be reached through angioplasty and are not in heart failure will opt for the angioplasty procedure. Patients who have a blockage in the main artery supplying the left side of the heart or diseased blood vessels may opt to have bypass surgery. Your doctor will be the best one to determine which of these surgical heart disease treatments will be the best for you.
Recovery
Recovery from angioplasty generally consists of a day or two in the hospital after the procedure and a week of recovery at home. The quick recovery period is one of the factors that make this heart disease treatment an attractive one. The recovery from bypass surgery is usually longer and more uncomfortable. However, your doctor will be the best source to determine whether angioplasty or bypass surgery is the right choice for you. This decision will hinge on a number of factors, like those listed above. Your best choice is to follow your doctor's advice and all instructions before and after the procedure, no matter which surgery you end up having.
Heart disease can lead to a host of other serious medical conditions, so finding an effective heart disease treatment will be a high priority for your doctor. If he determines that surgery is your best option, following his instructions to the letter will be your best chance for a successful procedure and a quick recovery process.
