Angioplasty

When your heart isn’t getting enough blood, you may experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or fatigue. These symptoms could mean that one or more arteries in your heart are too narrow or blocked. Angioplasty is a common procedure that opens these arteries to help your blood flow better. 

Throughout Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth), our heart specialists use advanced tools to perform angioplasty with care and precision. Whether you’ve had heart symptoms for a while or just found out there’s a problem, we’re here to help. 

What to Know About Your Angioplasty 

Here’s what to expect before, during, and after your angioplasty procedure. 

How to Prepare 

Your care team will give you detailed instructions, which may include: 

• Do not eat or drink for six to eight hours before the procedure. 
• Tell your doctor about all medications you take, including vitamins or supplements. 
• Wear comfortable clothes. 
• Arrange for transportation home, as you may not be able to drive. 
• Notify your care team if you have any allergies, especially to contrast dye or iodine. 

What to Expect During the Angioplasty 

One of our interventional cardiologists will perform your angioplasty in a cardiac catheterization lab: 

• Your interventional cardiologist will insert a catheter into a blood vessel, usually in your wrist or groin. 
• The catheter will be guided to your blocked artery using X-ray imaging. 
• A small balloon at the tip will be inflated to widen the artery and improve blood flow. 
• In many cases, a stent will be placed to help keep your artery open. 
• Once your artery is treated, the balloon will be deflated and the catheter removed. 

The procedure usually takes 30 to 90 minutes.  

What to Expect After 

After the procedure, you’ll be closely watched to make sure your heart, blood pressure, and insertion site are doing well. If the catheter was inserted in your groin, you may need to lie flat for a few hours afterward to prevent bleeding. You may notice mild soreness or bruising at the insertion site, which is common and usually goes away on its own.  

Most patients go home the same day or after a short overnight stay. Before you leave, you’ll get instructions about activity limits, medications, and follow-up appointments. Your ongoing care may include lifestyle changes, cardiac rehab, or more heart testing to support your recovery. Almost all patients require a short course of blood thinners after an angioplasty.