Blocked Arteries? Know Your Treatment Options.

medivisoroffice
Jun 28
2 min read

Chest pain. Breathlessness. Fatigue.

Sometimes, these symptoms are more than just stress—they could be blocked arteries slowing down the blood flow to your heart.

But don’t panic—modern medicine has powerful solutions to keep your heart beating strong. Let’s break it down.

What Happens When Arteries Get Blocked?

Your heart needs oxygen-rich blood, delivered by coronary arteries. Over time, fatty deposits called plaque build up, narrowing these vessels—a condition called coronary artery disease (CAD).

If untreated, it can lead to heart attacks. That’s where medical science steps in with angioplasty, stents, and bypass surgery to save the day.

Angioplasty: The Balloon Fix

Think of it like unblocking a clogged pipe.
A thin tube (catheter) with a small balloon at the tip is guided into the blocked artery.
The balloon inflates, pushing the plaque aside and opening the passage for better blood flow.
Often, this procedure is done while you’re awake with mild sedation.

Stents: Tiny Lifesavers

After angioplasty, doctors usually place a stent—a small mesh tube—to keep the artery open.
Modern drug-eluting stents slowly release medication to prevent future blockages.
Stents don’t cure heart disease but help manage it effectively, preventing heart attacks.

Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG): The Detour Route

When arteries are severely blocked or multiple arteries are involved, CABG is the go-to surgery.
Surgeons take a healthy blood vessel (often from your leg or chest) and create a new route for blood to reach your heart.
It’s major surgery but can dramatically improve quality of life for people with advanced heart disease.

After Treatment: It’s Not Over Yet

Fixing the pipes is just the first step. What you do afterward matters most.

✔️ Medications (blood thinners, statins, BP control)

✔️ Lifestyle changes (stop smoking, healthy diet, regular exercise)

✔️ Cardiac rehab programs for guided recovery

The Bottom Line

Angioplasty and stents are like quick fixes; bypass surgery is the full detour.

But none of these are permanent cures unless you commit to a heart-healthy lifestyle.

Modern treatments can save your heart—only you can help it stay healthy.