Who Should Undergo Angioplasty and How To Prepare It?
Doctors usually recommend coronary angioplasty for people with a heart attack or a coronary artery disease. Angioplasty can also be used in other parts of the body that have blocked or narrow arteries, like your legs, arms, neck, pelvis, and kidneys. Angioplasty opens up a narrow blood vessel to enable easy blood flow. The procedure ensures that organs supplied by the blocked vessel get a better blood supply.
Unlike most surgical procedures, angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure, but it is still surgery. It is important to contact your doctor and follow instructions carefully before undergoing the procedure. Tell your doctor about any drugs and supplements that you’re taking. In some cases, your doctor may advise you to stop taking certain drugs, such as blood thinners [2], before the procedure.
Your doctor may also advise you to stay away from foods or drinks for several hours before undergoing the angioplasty procedure because you may have to be sedated. You may have to get a kidney test because the dye contrast used during angioplasty affects kidney function.