The term angioplasty literary means to open the blood vessels, and it is one of the conventional procedures for the treatment of coronary heart disease (CHD) and heart attacks. In some patients, due to various reasons, including cholesterol build-up and plaque, heart arteries can get blocked or narrowed. Furthermore, the existence of any blockage in the heart can have drastic effects on blood flow. Also, in severe cases, the formation of a blood clot in the heart’s blood vessels can lead even to a heart attack.

Angioplasty is a non-invasive procedure that can restore and improve the natural blood flow to the heart and eliminates any risks that may be involved with clogged arteries. Usually, angioplasty is performed with the help of a stent or balloon; in either case, there are some common reasons for the use of angioplasty:

• Coronary artery disease: Arteries that are responsible for carrying blood will be narrowed.
• Atherosclerosis: This is a build-up of fat and cholesterol in the wall of arteries. 
• Peripheral arterial disease: a condition in which narrow arteries will reduce the flow of blood to the legs and arms. 
• Renovascular hypertension: Narrowing of arteries in the kidney will cause high blood pressure.

In most cases, a cardiologist and a team of professional cardiovascular nurses will perform angioplasty. The entry point for the catheter can be in the groin, arm, or leg arteries. Also, the patient’s heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen level, and pulse rate will be monitored continuously. Furthermore, the area will be washed with an antiseptic solution, and a local anesthetic will be administered to numb the area for a small incision.

First, a guidewire will be inserted to the blood vessels, and then the doctor with the help of an x-ray will thread a catheter to reach the blocked or narrowed arteries. Just as angiography, a contrast dye will be injected through a catheter to identify any abnormalities and to provide a clear view of the blood vessels. Once the balloon which is placed at the tip of the catheter has passed the blockage in the artery, the doctor will inflate it to dilate the arteries. In addition, depending on the number of blockages that each patient has, the procedure may be repeated.

In other situations, where there is a high possibility of arteries to become blocked or narrowed again, a stent may be placed in the blood vessels to keep it open. When the balloon reaches the defective vessels, it will be deflated and removed, but the stent will remain. The stent acts as a scaffold, and when it is placed in the artery, some drugs will be slowly released in the blood vessels which prevent any future blockage or restriction in the arteries.

Overall, there are minimal risks involved, and angioplasty is considered a safe operation; however, some rare side effects may occur:

• Continuous bleeding from the catheter insertion site.
• Allergic reaction to the dye.
• Sometimes there may be chest pain.
• Recurrence of the blockage.

Following the below advice can help significantly with the fast recovery:

• Quit smoking
• Eat healthy foods that are low in cholesterol and fat. 
• Exercise moderately and regularly.
• Follow your doctor’s medications.

Although Iran has grappled, over the last decades, with numerous economic and political turmoil, it still holds its place as one the top and reliable destinations for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The reason for that is because Iran has never stopped to excel and pursue innovative solutions that have been proved to be vital in curing patients with heart diseases. Recent years have seen a surge in heart surgeries, with over 40000 surgeries performed each year more than any Middle Eastern country. Moreover, Iran hospitals are furnished with the latest equipment in diagnosing and treating patients with milled to sever systems of heart problems. The cost of performing heart surgeries can be substantial in most of the countries that use the same equipment and techniques as in Iran; nevertheless, these types of surgeries are far less expensive in Iran, and the outcome is always satisfactory.