Why Angioplasty Restores Healthy Blood Flow in Blocked Arteries

Why Angioplasty Restores Healthy Blood Flow in Blocked Arteries

Experiencing pain, cramping, or even numbness in your legs may not be just a temporary soreness.
They are symptoms that sometimes reflect the limited movement of blood caused by blocked arteries that is typical in Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD).
In PAD, blood vessels serving your legs are stretched or blocked, which limits blood and oxygen supply to your muscles.

What Actually Causes Blocked Arteries?

The arteries are your highways, and they transport blood that has plenty of oxygen to the rest of your body.
The walls of the arteries may end up collecting plaque (fat and cholesterol among others) in the long run.
This is termed as atherosclerosis.
When arteries supplying the legs are affected, you might develop PAD.
Blocked arteries usually mean:

  • Less oxygen is delivered to your leg muscles
  • Pain or cramping of the leg during movement or rest
  • Pain, numbness or coldness in legs or feet below
  • Skin changes or non-healing sores

Learn how to tell the difference between PAD and other leg pain. 
Neglecting these symptoms may cause severe health hazards. Early intervention is of a great importance when it comes to keeping your legs healthy.

How Angioplasty Works

Angioplasty is among the least invasive procedures that have proven to be very effective when treating blocked arteries caused by PAD.
It is a simple process that aims to get the blood flowing and return you to your normal life.

How does angioplasty work?

  • A small tube (catheter) that has a tiny balloon at the end is carefully inserted into the blocked artery, typically with a small cut in the groin
  • The balloon is directed to the obstructed area with the help of imaging
  • The balloon gets inflated gradually, pushing the plaque towards the walls of the arteries
  • This is what enlarges the vessels, causing more blood to flow freely
  • Sometimes a small mesh stent can be inserted to assist in maintaining the artery open
  • The balloon and catheter are then removed, and only a small mark is left behind when completed

What Makes Angioplasty So Helpful?

This straightforward method has a number of strengths:

  • Minimal-invasive, no big cuts or stitches
  • The majority of the individuals come back home on the same day
  • Faster recovery as compared to the usual surgery
  • Often results in immediate symptom improvement, such as less pain and more energy

Angioplasty may stop the frustrating process of progressive worsening of PAD and the necessity of more drastic interventions.
It is a time-tested method to gain mobility, comfort and confidence.

Life After Angioplasty

Angioplasty recovery is generally easy. 
A bit of soreness or slight bruising at the entry point is normal, although the vast majority of people are able to resume light activity quite rapidly. Recovery could take one or two weeks.
To keep your arteries healthy after angioplasty, your provider may recommend:

  • Quitting smoking if you smoke
  • Managing your diabetes effectively
  • Light walking to boost circulation
  • Eating more heart healthy foods
  • Reducing saturated fat and cholesterol
  • Taking medicines as directed

Staying proactive is very essential. Early intervention strategies for PAD can help prevent limb loss or further complications.

Next Steps

If you’re noticing symptoms of PAD like pain, cramps, or stubborn wounds on your legs, it’s worth finding out if angioplasty is right for you. 
Getting treated early doesn’t just help your legs. It helps your whole body thrive.
Heart Vascular and Leg Center focuses on state-of-the-art, patient-centered care of PAD and clogged arteries.
You will find options that can aid in regaining comfort, mobility, and peace of mind.
To get individualized advice and to determine whether angioplasty suits you, make an appointment with Heart Vascular and Leg Center today.

FAQs

What is the mechanism of action of angioplasty?
A small balloon is filled inside the artery, pushing the plaque against the wall and opening the artery to allow more blood to flow through it.

Can angioplasty remove a 100% blockage?
Many total blockages can be opened with angioplasty, but success depends on the blockage’s location and makeup.

What happens to the blockage after angioplasty?
The blockage is compressed and stays against the artery wall. It’s not removed, but no longer blocks blood flow.

Does heart function improve after angioplasty?
When used in the heart, angioplasty can improve heart function. When used for PAD, it leads to better blood flow and less stress on your body.

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