Primary Angioplasty Acute Heart Attack
What Is Primary Angioplasty?
Primary angioplasty, also called Primary PCI (Percutaneous Coronary Intervention), is an emergency procedure used to treat acute heart attacks. It involves mechanically opening a blocked coronary artery using a balloon and possibly placing a stent to restore blood flow to the heart muscle. It is performed in a cath lab and is considered the gold standard for treating ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).
Why do I need this procedure?
What happens during primary angioplasty?
You will be taken to the heart catheterization lab (cath lab) as soon as possible. You’ll be awake during the procedure and may receive medications to help you relax. The doctor will:
Numb the groin or wrist area
Insert a catheter into an artery
Guide it to the heart’s blocked artery using imaging
Inflate a balloon to open the artery
Place a stent to keep the artery open
A contrast dye is used for imaging the arteries, and the entire process typically takes 30 to 90 minutes.
What might I feel?
A needle prick when local anesthesia is given
Mild pressure or warmth during dye injection
Some chest discomfort, rarely, during balloon inflation
Slight discomfort at the insertion site
Most patients tolerate the procedure well, with minimal pain.
What happens after the procedure?
The catheter is removed, and pressure is applied to prevent bleeding
You’ll be monitored in a Cardiac Care Unit (CCU)
You may need to lie still for a few hours
Your doctor will review the angioplasty results with you
Medications to prevent future clots (like aspirin or blood thinners) will be started
A recovery plan with lifestyle changes and cardiac rehab may be discussed