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Your doctor has recommended that you undergo a balloon angioplasty. But what does that actually mean?
The heart is located in the center of the chest. It's job is to keep blood continually circulating throughout the body.
The blood vessels that supply the body with oxygen-rich blood are called arteries.
The arteries that supplies blood to the heart muscle itself are called coronary arteries.
Sometimes, these blood vessels can narrow or become blocked by plaque deposits, restricting normal blood flow.
In simple terms, a balloon angioplasty is a procedure used to increase the amount of blood flowing through the coronary artery.
During a balloon angioplasty, a heart specialist will insert a thin tube into an artery in your arm or leg and gently guide it towards the problem area in your heart.
Once the tube is in place, a small balloon is briefly inflated in order to widen the narrowed artery.
During and after the procedure, your doctor will take x-rays in order to monitor your progress.
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Your doctor understands that all medical care benefits from close collaboration between physician and patient -- so be sure to review, with your doctor, all risks and alternatives and make sure you understand the reasons behind the recommendation for this particular procedure.
Now let's talk in detail about the procedure your doctor has recommended. That particular recommendation was based on a number of factors:
* the state of your health,
* the severity of your condition,
* an assessment of alternative treatments or procedures and finally,
* the risks associated with doing nothing at all.
And remember, the final decision is up to you. No one can force you to undergo a surgical procedure against your will.
In some cases, patients will decide not to have a balloon angioplasty simply out of fear.
It's important however to understand that balloon angioplasty is one of the safest and most non-intrusive methods of improving the health of your heart. Choosing not to have a balloon angioplasty may put your health at risk.
The symptoms your having may be warning signs of a serious and even life-threatening medical problem.
For that reason you should carefully consider the value of your doctor's recommendation to undergo balloon angioplasty.
Now I'd like to introduce you to another important member of the medical team -- the nurse.
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