Globally stroke remains a major cause of disability, blocked or narrowed blood vessels remain as the leading cause. The best medical procedure to address this issue is angioplasty, which assists in opening these vessels, ensuring blood flows freely to the brain. Let’s dive into this blog to understand how this procedure works, and how it helps in preventing future strokes.
What is angioplasty?
Angioplasty is one of the minimally invasive procedures designed to open up blocked or narrowed blood vessels, typically in the coronary arteries, that supply blood to the crucial organs. Angioplasty greatly helps restore normal blood flow and reduces the risk of blood clots that could otherwise trigger a stroke or heart attack. So before something happens worse, reach out to the angiogram hospital in Coimbatore to stay cautious.
The two main types of angioplasty include:
- Balloon angioplasty: A tiny balloon will be inflated within the artery to widen it.
- Angioplasty stent: A small wire mesh known as a stent is inserted into the artery to permanently keep the arteries open.
What causes a stroke?
When the blood flow to the brain stops, a stroke will occur, depriving brain cells of oxygen. This occurs due to:
- Ischemic stroke: Blockage in the blood vessels causes this.
- Hemorrhagic stroke: Burst blood vessel causes this.
Mostly, this ischemic stroke is triggered by blockages or blood clots that disturb proper blood flow to the brain. Both ischemic and hemorrhagic remain the primary heart stroke causes, so individuals should concentrate on treating them.
What is the link between blood vessel blockage and stroke risk?
Whenever the blood vessels are narrowed or blocked, the brain is at huge risk of stroke due to restricted blood flow. In atherosclerosis, plaque will develop in the arteries, significantly contributing to these blockages, and resulting in increased chances of stroke. Angioplasty plays a crucial role in removing these blockages, keeping blood vessels clear and the brain well-supplied.
How does angioplasty clear blocked arteries?
In angioplasty, a tiny catheter with a balloon at the bottom will be inserted into the narrowed artery. A balloon will be inflated when positioned properly, which will compress the plaque against the artery walls. This opens up the artery, which helps to get normal blood flow, and potentially increases the chances of clot-forming and moving toward the brain.
What’s the difference between angioplasty and other treatments for stroke prevention?
Doctors will recommend angioplasty when medications or lifestyle changes are not helping to prevent stroke risks. Medications will help in managing stroke risks, but angioplasty remains a direct solution to physically open up narrowed arteries. Doctors will recommend this procedure when patients’ risk of notably high or when lifestyle adjustments are not helping.
As we mentioned above, stents are wire mesh tubes that support the artery walls and prevent them from narrowing again after angioplasty. These stents help in making arteries remain open for a long time, which greatly helps in reducing stroke risk.
What are the pros and cons of angioplasty in stroke prevention?
By restoring blood flow, angioplasty offers immediate relief, which reduces the risk of stroke caused by blocked arteries. Individuals who undergo angioplasty are at lower risk of stroke recurrence and stands as a powerful tool for long-term stroke prevention.
Like all medical procedures, angioplasty comes with some risks, like bleeding, infection, or damage to the blood vessel. Also, the advanced technologies being used in angioplasty have made it a safe option for several individuals, and doctors take extensive precautions to mitigate these risks.
Who should undergo angioplasty?
Angioplasty is not ideal for every patient, doctors recommend this for individuals who:
- Go through minor stroke or TIA
- Shows major arterial blockage
- When medications didn’t help them
Also, post-angioplasty the recovery process is generally smooth, patients are advised not to do strenuous activity for a few days. Most people will get back to normal within a week, but following the guidelines of the best heart surgeon in Coimbatore is crucial for optimal recovery.
What are the lifestyle changes for stroke prevention post-angioplasty?
Post-angioplasty, lifestyle adjustments play a crucial role in maintaining results and preventing future strokes. Key changes include:
- Diet: A heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
- Exercise: Consistent physical activity to maintain blood vessels in good health.
- Medications: Sticking to your medications is also crucial to prevent stroke.
Even, several studies have suggested that angioplasty plays a huge role in lowering the risk of stroke and also reducing the recurrence by up to 40% in high-risk patients. Angioplasty will remain a highly effective treatment for stroke patients, especially if they go for frequent screening.
In certain cases, individuals require further treatment or angioplasty surgery, notably if they have severe arterial blockage. Follow-up care is crucial to ensure that blood flow remains optimal.
Final thoughts:
In conclusion, we can say that angioplasty has proven itself as a life-saving procedure, notably for patients at high risk of stroke. By physically opening up blocked arteries, angioplasty enhances blood flow and dramatically reduces the likelihood of future strokes. For individuals who are dealing with arterial damage or a history of strokes, angioplasty may be a viable option to reclaim and protect their health.