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Heart Angioplasty

Heart angioplasty is also called coronary angioplasty, balloon angioplasty or
PTCA. A catheter is used to open up narrowed blood vessels to the heart.
Narrowed blood vessels can lead to chest pain or a heart attack. A stent may
also be placed. A stent is a spring like device that keeps the blood vessel
open.

Arrive on time for your treatment. Plan to be here 4-6 hours. Angioplasty
takes about 30 minutes. You may need to stay overnight in the hospital. Plan
to have an adult family member or friend take you home.
To Prepare
• Your doctor may order some tests such as a chest x-ray, EKG, and blood
tests.
• Do not eat or drink anything, including water, after midnight before your
treatment.
• Ask your doctor if you should take your medicines the morning of the
treatment. If so, take with sips of water only.
• Tell the staff if you are allergic to any medicines or dyes.
During Your Angioplasty
• You will wear a hospital gown and lie on a table.