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Angioplasty Explained: Procedure, Recovery & Risks

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Angioplasty Explained: Procedure, Recovery & Risks

Discover how this lifesaving heart procedure works – and why Dr. Gautam Naik is considered the best cardiologist in Delhi/NCR.

Introduction

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. One of the most common and life-saving procedures in cardiology today is angioplasty, also known as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This minimally invasive treatment helps restore normal blood flow to the heart by opening narrowed or blocked coronary arteries.

If you or a loved one has been advised angioplasty, understanding the procedure, its benefits, recovery process, and potential risks is crucial. Let’s explore everything you need to know about angioplasty—simplified and explained.

What is Angioplasty?

Angioplasty is a non-surgical procedure used to widen narrowed or blocked arteries in the heart. The main goal is to improve blood flow to the heart muscle, reduce chest pain (angina), and minimize the risk of a heart attack.

Often, angioplasty involves placing a stent—a small wire mesh tube—that helps keep the artery open over time.

When is Angioplasty Needed?

A cardiologist may recommend angioplasty if:

  • You have severe chest pain (angina) due to blocked coronary arteries.
  • Lifestyle changes and medications are not enough to relieve symptoms.
  • You’ve had a heart attack and need immediate intervention to restore blood flow.
  • A stress test or angiogram shows reduced blood flow to the heart.

Meet the Expert: Dr. Gautam Naik – Best Cardiologist in Delhi/NCR

If you’re considering angioplasty in Delhi/NCR, you’re in safe hands with Dr. Gautam Naik, one of the most trusted and experienced interventional cardiologists in the region. With years of expertise in treating complex heart conditions, Dr. Naik practices at Apollo Hospital, Delhi, and is known for his patient-first approach, precision, and commitment to advanced cardiac care.

How is Angioplasty Performed?

Here is a step-by-step breakdown of the angioplasty procedure:

1. Preparation

  • You’ll be given local anesthesia.
  • A small incision is made in the groin, arm, or wrist, where a catheter (thin, flexible tube) is inserted.

2. Insertion of the Catheter

  • The catheter is guided through your blood vessels to the blocked coronary artery using X-ray imaging.

3. Balloon Inflation

  • A tiny balloon at the catheter’s tip is inflated to compress the plaque against the artery walls.

4. Stent Placement (if needed)

  • A stent is deployed to keep the artery open permanently.

5. Finishing Up

  • The balloon is deflated and removed, and blood flow is restored.
  • The entire procedure usually takes 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Benefits of Angioplasty

✅ Immediate relief from chest pain
✅ Faster recovery compared to open-heart surgery
✅ Reduces the risk of heart attack
✅ Improves quality of life
✅ Minimally invasive with minimal hospital stay

Recovery After Angioplasty

Hospital Stay

  • Most patients are discharged within 1–2 days.

Home Recovery

  • Light activity is allowed after a few days.
  • Avoid lifting heavy objects for at least a week.
  • Resume normal activities in 1–2 weeks, as advised by your doctor.

Medications

  • You’ll be prescribed blood thinners to prevent clot formation around the stent.

Lifestyle Changes

  • Quit smoking
  • Eat a heart-healthy diet
  • Exercise regularly
  • Manage stress
  • Monitor blood pressure, sugar, and cholesterol

Risks and Complications of Angioplasty

While angioplasty is generally safe, potential risks include:

  • Bleeding or bruising at the catheter insertion site
  • Blood clots in the stent
  • Re-narrowing of the artery (restenosis)
  • Heart attack or stroke (rare)
  • Allergic reaction to the contrast dye

With a skilled cardiologist like Dr. Gautam Naik, the risks are minimized, and outcomes are highly successful.

Why Choose Dr. Gautam Naik for Angioplasty in Delhi/NCR?

  • Renowned Interventional Cardiologist with decades of experience
  • Practices at Apollo Hospital, Delhi – one of India’s leading healthcare institutions
  • Expert in complex angioplasties, stenting, and cardiac emergencies
  • Trusted by thousands of heart patients across Delhi/NCR

📍Book Your Consultation Today
📞 Call: 85277 18228
🌐 Visit: https://drgautamnaik.com/

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Is angioplasty painful?
No, the procedure is done under local anesthesia. You might feel slight pressure but not pain.

Q2. How long will the stent last?
Stents are designed to be permanent, but lifestyle changes are essential to keep arteries healthy.

Q3. Can blockages come back after angioplasty?
Yes, there’s a small chance. Regular follow-ups and medications reduce this risk.

Q4. Is angioplasty better than bypass surgery?
It depends on the severity of blockage. Your cardiologist will decide the best treatment approach.

Conclusion

Angioplasty is a life-saving and minimally invasive solution for many heart patients suffering from blocked arteries. With a quick recovery time and high success rate, it offers new hope to those battling heart disease. However, choosing the right expert for the procedure makes all the difference.

For those seeking world-class heart care, trust Dr. Gautam Naik, the best cardiologist in Delhi/NCR, to provide compassionate, advanced, and personalized treatment.

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