Risk Associated with Angioplasty
Generally, angioplasty is not usually accompanied by any complications. However, studies show that the rate of complications is 5 in every 100 people, with fewer in large organizations that specialize in angioplasty.
Complications from angioplasty is rare, but they can include:
- Damage to blood vessels, kidneys, or arteries
- An allergic reaction to the dye
- Chest pain [3]
- A blockage that requires an emergency bypass
- blood clot
- Prolonged bleeding from the catheter insertion site in the groin or wrist
- Stroke [4]
- Heart attack [5]
- A tear or damage to artery or major blood vessel
- Arrhythmia [6], or abnormal heart rhythm
- Death
People with the following conditions are more likely to develop complications from angioplasty:
- Chronic kidney disease
- Heart disease
- Several blocked arteries
In some cases, the artery may also get blocked by plaque again through a process known as restenosis, stent thrombosis, or plaque shift, which is a clot in the stent.