Opting for heart procedures as we get older can lead to some stress and indecision, especially when we’re unsure about the potential risks of operations. An expert cardiologist recently spoke of his support for angioplasty in older people, which could help to ease fears we have about this treatment.
When do we need them?
Our GPs and cardiologists are experienced in these kinds of procedures that can improve our quality of life, so they can supply lots of information we need. An angioplasty is usually performed when the arteries around our heart have become too narrow. This can restrict the circulation to the organ, and can result in heart attacks if it becomes starved of oxygen or blood. When we have an angioplasty, a tube (called a stent) is usually inserted into the affected artery to keep blood flowing. As we age, our arteries can become particularly narrow and calcified, perhaps due to our diets, lifestyle and medication. This can make the vessels more prone to injury during these procedures, but cardiologist Vijay Surase says the operation can even be carried out when we’re over 80-years old.
Documented risks
Before going ahead with an angioplasty we’ll be filled in on what could go wrong. The list may include strokes, which occur when blockages break away from vessels and travel to other parts of the body. We may also bleed excessively due to blood thinning medication and experience kidney problems. Despite these potential outcomes, Dr Surase believes that the procedure could still be safely carried out on older people. Our GPs can provide us with more information on angioplasty and how to live healthily so we reduce of chances of needing one in the future. Making sure we limit our intake of saturated fats and lowering our cholesterol via diet and exercise are all important steps in caring for our cardiac health.
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