Angioplasty

Angioplasty:

This procedure, along with stenting, has been proved to protect the heart or prolong life only in people highly susceptible to heart attack; in everyone else, it appears only to ease angina. Further, the procedure has risks,including, in 2 to 6 per cent of patients, heart attack, stroke, or death.And the long-term safety and efficacy of drug-coated stents remain unknown.

● RECOMMENDATION:

Consider angioplasty plus stenting only if you have a history of heart attack or unstable angina, or if tests show significant(more than 70 percent) blockage,and lifestyle changes plus drugs haven’t relieved angina adequately. If you have blockage in multiple arteries or the main artery, or diabetes plus angina, ask your doctor whether bypass surgery would better relieve your symptoms and prolong your life.