Angioplasty: How it works and what to expect

A blocked or narrowed artery can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, or a heart attack. Angioplasty (also called PCI or percutaneous coronary intervention) is a common way to open those arteries without open-heart surgery. You’ll usually come home the same day or after one night, and many people feel better fast. This guide tells you what happens, how to prepare, what to watch for, and simple tips to speed recovery.

How angioplasty works

During angioplasty a thin tube (catheter) goes into an artery — often in your groin or wrist — and a tiny balloon inflates to push plaque aside. Most people also get a stent, a small mesh tube that keeps the artery open. Stents can be bare-metal or drug-coated; drug-coated stents release medicine to lower the chance of re-narrowing. The procedure takes about 30–90 minutes in many cases. You’ll usually be awake but sedated, so you feel relaxed but don’t remember much.

Angioplasty treats blocked coronary arteries but similar techniques work for leg arteries (peripheral angioplasty) and other blocked vessels. It reduces symptoms and lowers the risk of future heart damage when done at the right time.

Preparing, recovery, and practical tips

Before the procedure your care team will tell you which medicines to keep or stop. Don’t eat after midnight if they tell you. Bring a list of medications and allergies. If you take blood thinners, your doctor will give clear instructions — don’t guess.

Right after angioplasty staff will watch your heart, pulses, and the access site for bleeding. Expect to lie flat for a few hours if the groin was used; wrist access usually lets you sit up sooner. Most people go home the same or next day. Plan for someone to drive you.

Common aftercare steps: take prescribed antiplatelet meds (often aspirin plus a second pill) exactly as directed; avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for a week or as advised; keep the puncture site clean and dry; and schedule follow-up visits. Cardiac rehab — short supervised exercise and education — helps speed recovery and lowers future risk.

Watch for warning signs: sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, severe bleeding, swelling or coldness in the access arm/leg, high fever, or new fainting. If any appear, call emergency services or your doctor right away.

Risks are real but uncommon: bleeding at the access site, blood clots, re-narrowing of the artery (restenosis), contrast-related kidney issues, arrhythmia, or rarely stroke. Your doctor will explain your personal risk based on age, diabetes, kidney health, and other conditions.

Questions to ask your doctor: Why do I need angioplasty now? What type of stent will you use? How long will I need blood thinners? When can I go back to work or exercise? What signs should prompt a call or ER visit?

After angioplasty, focus on meds, quitting smoking, healthy food, and regular activity. Those steps matter more than the procedure itself for long-term results.