Understand how you can avoid complications and safely recover from angioplasty.
A coronary angiogram is a special X-ray test. It's done to find out if your coronary arteries are blocked or narrowed, where and by how much. An angiogram can help your doctor see if you need treatment such as angioplasty or stent, coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) or medical therapy. © AHA
Angioplasty opens blocked arteries and restores normal blood flow to your heart muscle. It's not major surgery. It's done by threading a catheter (thin tube) through a small puncture in a leg or arm artery to the heart. The catheter places a tiny balloon at the site of blockage in the artery. When the balloon is inflated, it pushes the plaque flat against the artery wall. This widens the artery and improves blood flow. © AHA
Dr. Clyde Yancy, former American Heart Association president, explains common procedures for heart attack victims.
Pacemaker identification wallet card. Cut this card out and keep in your wallet for use when you are traveling or away from home. © AHA
A pacemaker is a small device that sends electrical impulses to your heart to help control your heartbeat so your body gets blood and oxygen. © AHA
An ICD is a battery-powered device placed under the skin, just below the collarbone, or in your abdomen (stomach area) beneath your ribs. It reads the electrical signals in your heart to keep track of your heart rate. If the ICD detects an abnormal heart beat, it can deliver an electric pulse or shock to your heart. This helps restore a normal heartbeat. © AHA
A stent is a tiny wire mesh tube that keeps a coronary artery open to increase blood flow to the heart. This reduces the chance of a heart attack. © AHA
TAVI or TAVR stands for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation or Replacement. During this minimally invasive procedure a new heart valve is inserted without removing the old, diseased valve. The new valve is placed inside the diseased valve. © AHA