Coronary Angioplasty Procedure
Coronary angiography is a minimally-invasive procedure used to diagnose the blockage in your arteries that are supposed to carry blood to the heart and other vital organs. If necessary, your cardiologist might perform angioplasty — a procedure where they open the clogged arteries with the help of a balloon catheter. This hollow instrument is directed toward the clogged blood vessels through the groin. The balloon is inflated to prop the artery wide open and a stent is placed in the target area to ensure that the arteries do not get blocked again.
That’s how coronary angioplasty works. It can be performed in an outpatient setting, although the doctor might ask you to stay for 24-48 hours. Coronary angioplasty is sometimes performed as an emergency treatment to unclog the clogged arteries. However, in most cases, a cardiologist schedules a date for angioplasty so that you can prepare for the treatment. You don’t have to worry about the preparation. Your surgeon will explain everything about the treatment, how it is performed, and how you can prepare. Still, if you are not sure about how to prepare, here are a few tips that may help.
Tell Your Doctor about Your Allergies and Medications
Your doctor will review your medical history to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. Ideally, anyone who’s fit for heart bypass surgery is also the right candidate for coronary angioplasty. Certain medicines might interfere with the results of the angioplasty, which is why it’s important that you discuss your health goals and the current medication with your doctor.
Your cardiologist will tell you if you should continue the medicines or stop them. Usually, the doctors ask you to stop taking aspirin and other blood-thinning medication before angioplasty. At this point, you must also tell the doctor about allergies, if you have any.
Ask for Food and Drink Restrictions
The team of healthcare specialists will give you detailed instructions regarding what to eat, when, and how much. As a general rule, patients are not allowed to eat anything 6-8 hours before angioplasty. It’s advisable that you follow the food instructions or your doctor might have to reschedule the treatment. These food instructions are to prevent any complications arising from anaesthesia. The same goes for medicines. If you are taking any approved medicine, make sure you do it with a few sips of water.
Do Not Smoke or Drink
Smoking and drinking can have a very serious impact on your health, in general. But, you must avoid them specifically if you have a scheduled coronary angioplasty. Avoid taking any drugs or alcohol at least a week before your angioplasty to avoid any complications.
Arrange Your Ride Home
If the doctor has performed angiography, they will allow you to leave the hospital within 2-3 hours of the procedure. However, if it’s performed in conjunction with angioplasty and stent placement, you may have to stay longer. Depending on the results and your health, the doctor might ask you to stay for 2-3 days. Ask a family member or a friend to be present in the hospital, so that they can take you back home afterward. Make sure you don’t drive after angioplasty. Though your doctor will give you these details, you must also take precautions. Driving must be avoided for a few days after angioplasty.
Do Not Panic
Angioplasty is a minimally invasive treatment plan. You will feel slight discomfort or an itching sensation as the doctor inserts the catheter into your groin, but that’s only for a short while. You will feel absolutely alright once they give you local anesthesia. You won’t feel anything for a few hours after the procedure. There’s nothing to worry about, as the doctor will give you a painkiller to ease the pain and discomfort. Just relax and follow your doctor’s instructions.
