Angioplasty is a medical procedure in which a balloon is used to open up narrowed or blocked blood vessels of the heart (coronary arteries).

Fat and cholesterol can accumulate on the inside lining of arteries, forming deposits called plaque. As the plaque accumulates, these arteries will get narrower or blocked (atherosclerosis). Precious blood supply to the heart will be threatened.

If the blockage is not too severe, a balloon catheter may be used to open the heart artery as an alternative to open heart surgery. The catheter is a small, hollow, flexible tube that has a balloon near the end of it.

Occasionally, blood thinning medicine is also given to prevent formation of a blood clot. In almost all cases, a device called a stent is also placed at the site of narrowing or blockage in order to keep the artery open.

Angioplasty may be performed to treat:

      Persistent chest pain (angina)
      Blockage of one or more coronary arteries
      Residual obstruction in a coronary artery after a heart attack