If you've been told you might need a coronary angioplasty, you’re not alone in feeling unsure about what that means. In simple terms, a coronary angioplasty is a medical procedure used to open up narrowed or blocked arteries in the heart. It helps restore normal blood flow to your heart muscle and is often used to treat coronary artery disease one of the most common heart conditions in the UK. This blog will explain what’s involved, who needs it, what recovery looks like, and the most important things to consider before and after the procedure.
Why Is a Coronary Angioplasty Done?
A coronary angioplasty is performed when one or more of the arteries supplying blood to your heart become narrowed or blocked. This can be caused by a build-up of fatty deposits known as atherosclerosis.
If the blood supply becomes too restricted, you may experience symptoms such as:
In emergency cases, such as during a heart attack, an angioplasty can be life-saving by quickly restoring blood flow and limiting damage to the heart muscle.
How Is a Coronary Angioplasty Performed?
The procedure is usually carried out under local anaesthetic and involves the following steps:
A thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into an artery usually in your wrist or groin.
Guided by X-ray, the catheter is threaded through your blood vessels to the affected coronary artery.
A tiny balloon on the end of the catheter is inflated at the narrowed part of the artery. This pushes the plaque against the artery wall and widens the space.
In most cases, a small wire mesh tube called a stent is inserted to help keep the artery open long term.
The balloon is deflated and removed, but the stent stays in place.
The whole procedure usually takes around 30 minutes to two hours depending on how many arteries are involved.
Is a Coronary Angioplasty Painful?
Most people feel little to no pain during the procedure itself. You’ll be awake, but sedated, and the local anaesthetic ensures that the catheter insertion is not painful. You might feel slight pressure or some discomfort when the balloon is inflated, but it usually passes quickly.
What’s Recovery Like?
You’ll likely stay in hospital for a few hours or overnight for observation. Here’s what recovery typically involves:
Bed rest for a few hours after the procedure.
No driving for at least one week.
Light activity for a few days; most people return to work in about a week.
A gradual return to normal exercise routines, often with guidance from a cardiac rehab team.
You may be given medication to prevent blood clots and to support the stent’s success such as aspirin or clopidogrel.
Are There Any Risks or Side Effects?
Coronary angioplasty is generally very safe, especially when done in experienced cardiac centres. However, like any medical procedure, there are risks, which may include:
Bleeding or bruising at the catheter site
Allergic reaction to contrast dye
Artery damage or infection (rare)
Re-narrowing of the artery (though stents reduce this risk)
In very rare cases, heart attack or stroke
Your consultant will discuss your individual risks and explain how they are minimised with modern techniques.
Who Needs a Coronary Angioplasty?
You may be offered a coronary angioplasty if:
You have angina that isn’t well controlled with medication
Tests show a significant blockage in your coronary arteries
You’ve had a heart attack and need urgent treatment to restore blood flow
You have unstable symptoms, such as worsening chest pain or breathlessness
A cardiologist may carry out tests such as an angiogram, ECG, echocardiogram, or CT coronary angiogram (CTCA) before making the recommendation.
How Much Does a Coronary Angioplasty Cost?
If you are having this procedure through the NHS, there is no cost it is fully covered, including any stents, follow-up, and medication.
For those seeking private care, costs can vary significantly depending on the hospital and complexity, but you might expect a price between £5,000 and £10,000 for the full procedure, consultation, and aftercare.
NHS vs Private Which Is Better?
Both NHS and private cardiology services in the UK follow strict safety and quality guidelines. The main differences are:
Feature | NHS | Private Clinics |
Cost | Free (including aftercare) | £5,000–£10,000 approx. |
Waiting Time | Can vary depending on urgency | Usually much faster |
Access to Specialists | Referral through GP or hospital | Direct access via private cardiologist |
Follow-up | NHS cardiac rehab and medication | Tailored follow-up (may include extras) |
Some people choose private care for faster diagnosis and flexibility, but the procedure itself is performed to the same high standards in both settings.
Is It a Cure for Heart Disease?
A coronary angioplasty helps relieve symptoms and improve blood flow, but it isn’t a cure for heart disease. Lifestyle changes and medication are still essential after the procedure. That includes:
Eating a heart-healthy diet
Exercising regularly
Managing blood pressure and cholesterol
Taking medication as prescribed
Without these changes, there's a risk that other arteries could become blocked in future.
How Long Does a Stent Last?
Stents are designed to be permanent. Most modern stents are drug-eluting, which means they slowly release medication to help prevent the artery from becoming blocked again. With proper care, stents can last a lifetime but you’ll still need ongoing monitoring.
When Should I Talk to a Cardiologist?
You should speak to a cardiologist if you experience:
Ongoing or new chest pain
Shortness of breath
Unexplained fatigue
Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
A family history of heart disease
At Heartsure, we work with patients to provide early diagnosis, ongoing management, and clear advice around procedures like coronary angioplasty. If you’re unsure about your symptoms or test results, a consultation can offer clarity and peace of mind. Get in touch with us here.
Conclusion
A coronary angioplasty is one of the most common and effective ways to treat blocked arteries in the heart. Whether you’re having it as an emergency procedure or a planned one, it can significantly improve your quality of life, reduce symptoms, and lower your risk of further heart problems. It's not just about the procedure, though it's about long-term heart health. The earlier you take action, the better your chances of staying well in the future. If you're living with heart symptoms or concerned about your heart health, don’t wait. Reach out to your GP or a cardiologist for advice tailored to you.
