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Angioplasty for Heart Attack and Unstable Angina
Angioplasty works well to open a blocked artery after a heart attack. How well it works depends on the type of blockage. But angioplasty can open blocked arteries in about 9 out of 10 people.1
Angioplasty relieves chest pain and improves blood flow to the heart. If the artery narrows again, another angioplasty or a bypass surgery may be needed. The artery is less likely to narrow again if a stent, especially a drug-eluting stents is used.
The benefits of angioplasty are much greater if you don't smoke. If you smoke, try to quit.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: April 4, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine John M. Miller, MD - Electrophysiology | |
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