Who has angioplasty ?

Question

What are the challenges you faced after your procedure ? Emotional, mental or even spiritual challenges ?

Answer 1

http://www.bhf.org.uk/hearthealth/index.asp?secondlevel=79&thirdlevel=456&artID=1589

Answer 2

Fat and cholesterol can accumulate on the inside of arteries and form deposits called plaque. This disease process is called atherosclerosis. The arteries that supply blood to the heart itself (called the coronary arteries) can be narrowed or blocked by this accumulation.

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.

The procedure starts with the patient lying on a padded table. Local pain medicine is given, and the catheters are then inserted in an artery (usually near the groin). The patient is awake for the procedure, but pain medicine can be given as needed.

The heart and heart arteries are then visualized by using X-rays and dye, and blockages in the heart vessels are identified. A balloon catheter is then inserted in or near the blockage and inflated, thus widening or opening the blocked vessel and restoring adequate blood flow to the heart muscle.

Occassionally, blood thinning medicines are 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. A common type of stent is made of self-expanding, stainless steel mesh.

our hundred fifty-three percutaneous transluminal angioplasties in 352 patients were reviewed to determine the frequency, distribution, and cause of complications. The primary success rate was 89% (81%-82% for renal and distal runoff vessels, 91%-95% for the iliofemoral arteries). Fifty-nine complications occurred in 53 patients, including 20 puncture site complications, the most frequent being hematoma. The most important angioplasty complication was acute occlusion of the arterial lumen attributed to acute thrombosis (2%). Subintimal passage of the guide wire/catheter (2%) may also cause luminal compromise. Arterial dissection following balloon dilatation (1%) and distal emboli (1.5%) were less important clinically, and vessel wall rupture was rare (0.4%). Complications were two to four times more frequent for renal and distal popliteal/tibial compared with iliofemoral angioplasties; the lower success and higher complication rates are attributed to greater technical difficulty and the increased importance of spasm. Operator experience and technical refinements play an important role in reducing occurrence of serious complications. The frequency and severity of angioplasty complications compare favorably with the alternative surgical procedure.

different patients experience emotional, mental or spiritual at different levels the facts are not documented.

Answer 3

Actually if this procedure had not occurred I most likely would be dead. I had no difficulty after my surgery. I'm on heart medications daily, no problems here. I count my Blessings. I still do. Life is precious and very short. We are not promised tomorrow, so make the best of today. It would be to your advantage to know God for He loves you!

Answer 4

emotional-older brother had it done 3 times. died of heart attack.

mental-getting your crotch shaved

spiritual-what happens, happens

did not really bother me that much when i had mine