Angioplasty is a procedure that is done to unblock obstructed veins or arteries and restore proper blood flow to and from your heart. Though a minor operation, an angioplasty is considered a major life-saving treatment.
Angioplasty is often recommended in place of bypass surgery because of its advantages and benefits. Unlike bypass surgery, angioplasty is not a major procedure, and the recovery time is shorter. However, although there are benefits, there are also some risks you should be aware of when it comes to angioplasty.
Angioplasty Risk Factors
The following factors increase your chances of complications and should be discussed with your doctor before the procedure is performed:
- Age: If you are 65 or older, you are at a higher risk for complications.
- Emergency treatment: If the operation is done under emergency circumstances, there is a higher risk, since you are already unwell and there was no time to plan for the procedure.
- Kidney disease: The contrast dye that is used during an angioplasty can sometimes do damage to the kidneys if they are not functioning well to begin with.
- Many arteries blocked: If you have more than one artery that needs to be unblocked, this is known as multi-vessel disease and increases your chances of complications.
- Heart disease: Your risk increases if you have a history of heart disease or heart failure.
Angioplasty Complications
Complications do not occur often, but a few of the most common that can happen shortly after the operation include bruising or bleeding where the catheter was inserted and a false channel of blood flow due to issues with the incision closing. Additionally, the first month after your angioplasty you are at an increased risk for developing a blood clot. However, this can be prevented with prescription blood thinners.
Other complications include:
- Kidney problems.
- New blockages developing in other areas of the artery
- Damage to the lining of the artery
- Excessive bleeding
- Heart attack or stroke
- Restenosis, or the recurrence of a blockage
