Coronary Angioplasty is a medical procedure that opens a narrowed or blocked artery around the heart. It is a common treatment for clogged or narrowed arteries in this area of the body.

Coronary Angioplasty is also known as percutaneous coronary intervention, or PCI, by doctors.

Coronary Angioplasty is performed by inserting a tube into an artery in the groin or wrist. They then guide the tube around the heart to the affected artery. Finally, a balloon or stent (metal tube) is inserted to open the artery.

Coronary Angioplasty is a common procedure used to treat coronary heart disease (CHD) and heart attacks (acute coronary syndrome).

A build-up of plaque, or atherosclerosis, on the artery walls occurs in these conditions. The arteries narrow and can become blocked as plaque accumulates.

During a heart attack, the plaque may rupture, spilling cholesterol into an artery and potentially causing a clot that prevents blood flow.

A standard angioplasty involves the doctor making an incision in the groyne or wrist and inserting a tube, known as a catheter, into an artery.

The catheter is then threaded upwards and into the affected blood vessel around the heart.

The catheter usually has an inflatable balloon inside that displaces the plaque or clot, effectively opening up the artery.

Coronary Angioplasty may be recommended by a doctor for:

• a stress test that is abnormal
• improve blood flow to the heart
• lessen chest pain or angina
• improve blood supply to the heart muscle during or after a heart attack encourage people with chest pain to be more active