Angioplasty is a cardiac procedure nowadays commonly practiced. Its purpose is to widen the interior of the coronary artery of the heart that is obstructed by a clot or atheroma.
In the heart, the damage to the coronary arteries may cause angina pectoris, or even myocardial infarction. This coronary artery disease occurs when an atheroma or clot obstructs the vessel. This can be promoted by high cholesterol, age, heredity, smoking, diabetes and high blood pressure.
Depending on the diseased arteries, the extent of this involvement, its location ... two interventions may be indicated: bypass or angioplasty. Angioplasty is a lighter intervention than bypass surgery, which allows rapid recovery. In the event of myocardial infarction or angina pectoris, it is up to the cardiologist to decide on the most appropriate intervention. Coronarography is anyway necessary to rule.
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Author: Ladane Azernour Bonnefoy.
Expert consultant: Dr. Olivier Proost, cardiologist-resuscitator.