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Coronary angioplasty or heart ring insertion is a procedure performed to open up blocked heart blood vessels. Angioplasty is usually combined with the insertion of a stent or heart ring. The aim is to support the open artery so as to reduce the narrowing from happening again and improve blood flow to the heart.
This medical procedure of coronary angioplasty with stenting is known as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This procedure is recommended as an option by doctors for those diagnosed with coronary artery disease (CAD).
PCI is said to be most suitable for the treatment of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), a term used to describe three coronary artery disease conditions including STEMI NSTEMI and unstable angina. Read on to learn more about life expectancy after a heart ring for the three conditions above.
Life Expectancy After Heart Ring Placement Based on Heart Disorders
1. STEMI
ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) or dangerous heart attack is a condition where the blockage is severe and more likely to cause damage.
PCI can significantly reduce the risk of death if performed within 12 to 72 hours of the onset of symptoms. It can also reduce further damage to the heart muscle.
In a study conducted in France in 2015, it was concluded that PCI performed within 24 hours of a severe heart attack would result in a five-year life expectancy of 85% compared to 59% of patients who did not receive this medical action.
2. NSTEMI
Non-ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI) or mild heart attack is a partial or temporary blockage.
Although milder than STEMI, NSTEMI also requires serious treatment. The medical procedure of installing a heart ring can increase life expectancy if done early and within 24 hours of the incident. A 2018 study showed early PCI reduced the risk of death during the first 28 days by 58% compared to those who did not receive medical treatment. PCI also improved long-term quality of life measures.
According to the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2016), the use of PCI in people with NSTEMI lowers the risk of heart attack over the next three to five years but also doubles the risk of heart attack during or immediately after the procedure.
3. Unstable angina
Unstable angina is a condition of partial blockage of the heart's blood vessels that causes chest pain and other symptoms. Similar to the previous two conditions, PCI also provides the same benefits in unstable angina, although there is still much debate about when PCI treatment for angina should be performed.
After a heart ring procedure, many are able to resume normal activities and their symptoms, such as chest pain and shortness of breath, get better. They can return to their normal lives within a few weeks after undergoing coronary angioplasty with a stent.
Heart Ring Procedure
The angioplasty and stent procedure generally takes 30 minutes to two hours. Occasionally, there may be instances where the duration is extended.
You will be asked not to eat or drink for four to six hours before the angioplasty. And before the procedure, you will wear a special gown and also be asked to remove any jewelry that may be in the way.
You will be kept conscious during the procedure. The doctor will usually administer sedation to help you relax.
Once everything is ready, the medical team will perform the following actions:
- You will be given an injection of local anesthesia in your wrist or groin. A thin tube (catheter) is then inserted into a blood vessel.
- A contrast dye, specifically designed for this purpose, is administered into the tube to enhance the visibility of the coronary arteries on an x-ray screen. This part is called an angiogram. It is normal to feel a flushing sensation as the dye enters your bloodstream - for some people, this may feel like having a bowel movement.
- During the procedure, you will be attached to a heart monitor that records your heart rate and rhythm. You will also have a clip that measures oxygen levels in the finger. You will also have your blood pressure checked regularly.
- Many people experience feelings of distress during the process. If you feel unwell, or have chest pain at any time, let the medical team know.
- Once completed, the thin tube is removed and there may be a little bleeding when it is removed.
- You will then return to the recovery room where you will be monitored by a nurse.
If the tube was inserted into the wrist, you will sit upright and if all is well could be ready to leave the hospital two hours later. If the tube is inserted into the groin, you will need to lie on your back first and stay longer for recovery in the hospital, about five to six hours.
Care After The Heart Ring Procedure
After angioplasty, you can go home the same day or the next day, but those who undergo emergency angioplasty after a heart attack will likely be hospitalized longer.
If you are in the hospital, nurses and doctors will automatically control it, but when you are allowed to go home, you yourself or assisted by family members who must carry out independent care. What do you need to pay attention to?
- Caring for the catheter insertion site, which is usually in the groin or arm, by changing the bandage, making sure it stays clean and dry, wearing loose clothing, not using creams, lotions or ointments on the wound, not soaking or swimming for one week after the procedure.
- You should rest fully for the first two days after returning home from the hospital. Just take a short walk around the house.
- Take any medications given by the doctor such as aspirin, anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel, ticagrelor or prasugrel, and possibly cholesterol-lowering drugs such as statins.
- Consume a daily amount of eight to ten glasses of water.
- Contact your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms such as pain in the wound, bruising, redness, swelling and body heat.
- You can join a cardiac rehabilitation program to lead a heart-healthy lifestyle.
Thank you for reading this article. Have a nice day.
