What exactly is an angioplasty?

When a blood vessel in your heart becomes narrowed, it can lead to chest pain and even a heart attack. An angioplasty is a procedure that can be used to open up clogged blood vessels. The procedure is usually done in a special lab. Angioplasty is often combined with stenting to keep the blood vessel open. Angioplasty is far more effective than medications at opening blood vessels. Unfortunately, angioplasty may not always work and is not suitable for all types of narrowed blood vessels. In addition, even after angioplasty, if you do not change your lifestyle, the vessel may re-develop narrowing.