Heart disease remains one of the world’s leading health problems — and when a blocked artery threatens your heart’s blood supply, fast action can save your life. That’s where coronary intervention comes in.
In this article, we’ll explain what coronary intervention means, why it’s done, how it works, and when you might need it.
What Is Coronary Intervention?
Coronary intervention is a minimally invasive heart procedure used to open blocked or narrowed coronary arteries — the blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to your heart muscle.
This technique is most commonly known as angioplasty (with or without stent placement) and is performed by interventional cardiologists like Dr. Fady Turquieh to restore blood flow, relieve chest pain (angina), and prevent heart attacks.
When Is It Needed?
Coronary intervention is recommended when:
- A patient has severe narrowing or blockage in one or more coronary arteries
- Medications alone aren’t enough to relieve chest pain
- There’s a risk of a heart attack
- During a heart attack, to quickly reopen the artery and save heart muscle
It’s a life-saving and life-improving procedure for people dealing with coronary artery disease.
What Causes These Blockages?
Blockages happen when plaque (a mix of fat, cholesterol, and other substances) builds up inside the artery walls over time. This condition is called atherosclerosis. When a plaque ruptures, a blood clot can form and suddenly block blood flow to the heart.
Left untreated, this can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, or even a heart attack.
Types of Coronary Intervention
There are a few different types of procedures, depending on the severity of the blockage:
- Balloon Angioplasty: A small balloon is inserted through a catheter and inflated to open the artery.
- Stent Placement: A tiny mesh tube (stent) is placed inside the artery to keep it open long term.
- Drug-Eluting Stents (DES): These stents slowly release medication to prevent re-narrowing of the artery.
- Drug-Eluting Balloons (DEB): In some cases, a special balloon coated with medication is used to widen the artery without leaving a stent behind.
Each technique is selected based on the patient’s unique condition.
How Is the Procedure Done?
Coronary intervention is a quick, minimally invasive procedure usually performed under local anesthesia.
- A thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted through an artery in the wrist or groin.
- The catheter is guided to the heart’s arteries using X-ray imaging.
- A balloon or stent is placed at the blockage site to restore blood flow.
- The patient is typically awake and can often go home within a day or two.
What Are the Benefits?
Coronary intervention offers several important benefits:
- Quickly restores blood flow
- Reduces or eliminates chest pain
- Prevents heart attacks and other serious complications
- Less invasive than open-heart surgery
- Shorter recovery time
- Can be performed during a heart attack to minimize heart damage
What to Expect After the Procedure
Most patients recover quickly. You might feel tired for a day or two but can usually return to normal activities soon after.
Follow-up care is essential. This includes taking prescribed medications, attending check-ups, and making healthy lifestyle changes to maintain your heart health.
Cardiac rehabilitation programs may also be recommended to strengthen your heart and lower your risk of future heart problems.
Can Coronary Intervention Prevent Future Problems?
While coronary intervention is highly effective, it’s not a cure for heart disease. Lifestyle changes are vital to keep arteries healthy and prevent future blockages.
Important heart health habits:
- Stop smoking
- Eat a heart-healthy diet
- Stay physically active
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Control blood pressure and cholesterol
- Manage stress levels
- Schedule regular heart check-ups
Time to Prioritize Your Heart
Coronary intervention has transformed heart care, saving millions of lives by opening blocked arteries without major surgery. If you have risk factors or experience chest pain, don’t ignore it.
Book a heart check-up with Dr. Fady Turquieh at www.dubaicardiology.com today. Early detection and expert care can make all the difference. Your heart deserves it.