If you’ve survived a heart attack, you may be dealing with mixed emotions, including relief, fear, and confusion. Fortunately, you are going to survive the ordeal and will have a second chance to consider how to prevent another heart attack from occurring. What really matters is not so much the fact that you have had a heart attack. Rather, it really depends on what is done next. Angioplasty could benefit you.
What is Angioplasty?
Before we discuss the benefits, it might help to know what is involved in this procedure. Angioplasty is a procedure that our doctor will perform after a heart attack. Generally, there are two possible entry points: the arm or the groin. Our doctor will insert a catheter with a small balloon into your artery and guide it to where the blockage is preventing blood flow. The balloon is inflated to push plaque out of the way to allow the blood to resume flowing. Often a coronary stent will be introduced to ensure the continuation of blood flow once the procedure has been performed.
It Can Save Your Life
The first major benefit to receiving angioplasty is that it is a quick and efficient way to save your life after a heart attack. It makes it possible to get the blood properly flowing again. This means that your circulatory system will be able to get vital oxygen throughout the body where it is needed.
Avoiding Open Heart Bypass Surgery
One of the important benefits of angioplasty is that it cuts down on a doctor needing to do more invasive surgery: open heart bypass surgery. The less surgery you need after a heart attack, the quicker will be your recovery time. Additionally, less surgery is a better situation with your already-weakened state.
Reduces the Risk of a Second Heart Attack
Another important benefit of angioplasty is that it helps to prevent a second heart attack from occurring. As you can imagine, this is a major benefit.
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the benefits that angioplasty can offer you. Make an appointment at Cardiology Consultants of Southwest Florida to learn more. Contact us today to schedule a consultation at our office in Fort Myers!
