How Interventional Cardiology Can Help Prevent Heart Attacks
The interventional cardiology services we provide at Chinatown Cardiology are designed to help you lower your risk of a heart attack and other cardiac events.
Our experienced cardiologists offer comprehensive testing to identify potential risk factors for heart attack. They customize an interventional treatment plan to optimize heart health before problems arise.
What to know about interventional cardiology
Interventional cardiology describes procedures that help open blocked arteries, the vessels that carry blood away from the heart to the rest of the body. Poor blood flow through the heart can prevent it from functioning properly and result in the death of tissue and a heart attack.
Interventional cardiology procedures we offer include:
Cardiac catheterization
During a cardiac catheterization, your provider inserts a long, narrow catheter tube into a blood vessel (usually in your arm, leg, or groin). They guide the catheter into your coronary arteries to evaluate the function of your heart.
We can also attach specialized instruments to the end of the catheter to widen the vessel or remove blockages obstructing blood flow.
Angiogram
An angiogram is a diagnostic test that uses X-ray technology to identify blood vessel blockages.
Angioplasty
Angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a balloon to open blocked or narrowed arteries. We use a catheter to guide a deflated balloon into position within the vessel and gently inflate it to widen the vessel walls.
Stent placement
Following an angioplasty, your provider may place a mesh stent, a tiny medical device that keeps the treated blood vessel open to improve blood flow. The stent can also prevent blood clots from forming.
These interventional procedures are typically less invasive than surgery, offering quick recovery times to get you back to your usual routine with a healthier heart.
What to expect during your initial cardiology evaluation
During your initial visit to Chinatown Cardiology, our team reviews your current health and personal and family medical histories to identify risk factors for a heart attack. We also ask about your smoking history, diet, and exercise routine.
Your consultation includes a physical exam and noninvasive tests to check your blood pressure. If you have chest pain or other unusual symptoms, your provider discusses the interventional procedures you might need to identify their cause.
They help you schedule your procedure and provide the information you need to prepare for testing and treatment. For instance, you may need to change your medications or how you take them in the days leading up to your procedure.
Reasons you might need interventional cardiology
Several cardiac conditions significantly increase your risk of a heart attack. Our skilled cardiology team might recommend interventional cardiology procedures for individuals with conditions, such as:
- Heart failure
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Coronary artery disease
- Peripheral artery disease
- Heart valve disease
Our goals are improving blood circulation to and from the heart and optimizing overall cardiovascular health. We provide follow-up appointments to check the outcome of your procedure and offer resources for diet and exercise to keep your heart healthy.
Chinatown Cardiology has four New York City locations. To learn more about the benefits of interventional cardiology, call the office near you or request a consultation online today.