If you have moderate to severe blockage in one or more of your arteries and experience symptoms such as pain or discomfort in your chest or in one of your limbs, you may need angioplasty. At the least, it's time to talk with your doctor about it. Not treating an obstructed artery can lead to heart attack or stroke.
Not everyone is a good candidate for angioplasty, though. Although you may be experiencing symptoms of heart disease, the following circumstances can interfere with your chances of being considered for this type of surgery:
- If the plaque deposits are very hard
- If blockages contain blood clots or a lot of calcium
- If you have extensive or long blockages
- If you have blood vessel spasms that do not stop
- If you have a complete blockage that a catheter cannot cross
Although the surgery is minor, there are still some risks to be aware of. Bleeding or bruising where the catheter is inserted is common. In some people, the hole from the catheter does not fully close and can cause a false channel of blood flow. These complications normally go away with time.
Rarer, but more serious, complications include a reaction to contrast dye, a clot in the treated artery, a torn blood vessel, kidney problems, new blockages that develop in the artery downstream from the one treated, and damage to the lining of the artery.
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