Want more iVillage? Sign up for our
Newsletters
Angioplasty for Coronary Artery Disease
Although many factors are involved, angioplasty with or without stenting is usually done if you have:
- Frequent or severe chest pain (angina) that is not responding to medicine.
- Evidence of severely reduced blood flow (ischemia) to an area of heart muscle caused by one narrowed coronary artery.
- An artery that is likely to be treated successfully with angioplasty whether or not stenting is also used.
- You are in good enough health to undergo the procedure.
Angioplasty may not be a reasonable treatment option when:
- There is no evidence of reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.
- Only small areas of the heart are at risk, and you do not have disabling chest pain (angina).
- You are at risk of complications or dying during angioplasty due to other health problems.
- The anatomy of the artery makes angioplasty or stenting too risky or will interfere with the success of the procedure.
- The surgeon or hospital does not perform enough procedures to ensure competency.
- The hospital does not have access to emergency cardiac surgical facilities.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: May 10, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine John A. McPherson, MD, FACC, FSCAI - Cardiology | |
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
