Primary angioplasty, also known as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), is a specialized and time-critical procedure performed to restore blood flow to the heart during a heart attack. As a consultant interventional cardiac cardiologist, I specialize in providing prompt and effective primary angioplasty to minimize cardiac damage and optimize patient outcomes.

What is primary angioplasty?

Primary angioplasty is an interventional cardiology procedure designed to treat an acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) caused by a blockage in the coronary arteries. This procedure involves the use of a balloon catheter to open the blocked artery, typically accompanied by the placement of a stent to maintain blood flow.

Indications for Primary Angioplasty:

• ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI): A severe type of heart attack characterized by specific changes on an electrocardiogram (ECG).
• Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS): A spectrum of conditions including unstable angina and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI)

The Primary Angioplasty Procedure:

• Emergency Admission:

• Patients with suspected heart attack symptoms are promptly admitted to the hospital.

• Immediate Assessment:

• Diagnostic tests, including angiography, are performed to identify the location and severity of the blockage.

• Angioplasty Procedure:

• A catheter with a deflated balloon is guided to the blocked artery.

• The balloon is inflated to compress the plaque, opening the artery.

• In many cases, a stent is deployed to maintain the artery’s patency.

• Reperfusion Therapy:

• The goal is to restore blood flow to the heart muscle, minimizing damage.

• Post-Procedure Care:

• Patients are closely monitored for complications and are provided with post-angioplasty care.

Benefits of Primary Angioplasty:

• Rapid Restoration of Blood Flow: Primary angioplasty is performed promptly to minimize the time without blood flow to the heart.

• Reduced Cardiac Damage: Timely intervention reduces the extent of myocardial damage, improving long-term outcomes.

• Improved Survival Rates: Primary angioplasty has been associated with higher survival rates compared to other reperfusion therapies.

Your Primary Angioplasty Experience

At [Your Cardiology Practice/Institution], we understand the urgency and significance of primary angioplasty in the context of a heart attack. Our skilled and experienced team is dedicated to providing rapid and effective interventions, ensuring the best possible outcomes for our patients.

If you have questions about primary angioplasty or would like to discuss your specific needs, please contact our office at [Contact Information].

Your heart health is our priority, and primary angioplasty is one of the many ways we strive to deliver advanced and timely cardiac care.

Dr. Bimal Kahar, MD, DM
Consultant Interventional Cardiologist