What is coronary artery disease?

The coronary arteries are a pair of blood vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. These arteries are located on the surface of the heart and branch off from the aorta, the main artery that carries blood away from the heart. The coronary arteries are critical for the proper functioning of the heart, as they provide the heart muscle with the oxygen and nutrients it needs to pump blood throughout the body.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a common condition that occurs when the coronary arteries become narrowed or blocked due to the buildup of plaque. Plaque is made up of cholesterol, fat, and other substances that accumulate on the inner walls of the coronary arteries. As plaque builds up, it narrows the coronary arteries and reduces blood flow to the heart. This can lead to chest pain (angina), heart attack, and other serious complications.

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a procedure used to treat CAD. PCI is also known as coronary angioplasty or coronary stenting. During PCI, a thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel in the arm or leg and threaded through the arteries to the site of the blockage in the coronary arteries. A small balloon is then inflated at the tip of the catheter, which pushes the plaque against the walls of the coronary arteries and widens the narrowed or blocked artery.

In some cases, a small metal mesh tube called a stent is placed in the coronary artery after the balloon is inflated. The stent helps keep the artery open and improves blood flow to the heart. PCI can be performed using local anesthesia, and most people can go home the same day.

PCI is a safe and effective treatment for CAD. It can relieve symptoms, improve blood flow to the heart, and reduce the risk of heart attack and other complications. In some cases, PCI can be performed as an emergency treatment for a heart attack. It can also be used to prevent a heart attack in people who are at high risk for CAD.