A coronary angioplasty is usually done if your angina (a type of chest pain caused by a reduced flow of blood to the heart) is not responding to medication.
The procedure may also be done during a heart attack to quickly open a blocked heart artery and avert more harm to the heart. How do you know if you need an angioplasty? Symptoms that can signal the need for a coronary angioplasty are:

1. Chest pain or angina that worsens despite medication
2. Pain in the arms or legs
3. Swelling in the legs
4. Changes in skin, like discoloration
5. Slow-healing wounds
6. Fatigue
7. Symptoms of a stroke-like sudden numbness, dizziness, and confusion
8. Worsening symptoms of atherosclerosis, like shortness of breath

A cardiologist usually performs a battery of tests to diagnose atherosclerosis, the disease that requires angioplasty. The common ones are:

1. Physical test including your family’s detailed health history
2. Blood tests to check blood sugar and cholesterol levels
3. Electrocardiogram or ECG to record electrical signals in your heart
4. Exercise stress test to pick up heart problems that might have been missed

A coronary angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that doesn't require any major incisions. It is a safe and effective surgery.
It is usually a daytime procedure that takes no more than 30 minutes to two hours. If you’ve had a heart attack or if there are multiple catheterization procedures required, it can take longer.

The indications for coronary angioplasty are:

1. Persistent chest pain or angina
2. Blockage of one or two coronary arteries due to fatty plaques

A coronary angioplasty is a minimally invasive surgery which means that it’s done without any major incisions. It is also one of the commonest types of treatments for coronary artery blockages or atherosclerosis. The risk of serious complications with this procedure is negligible and is more likely if you are older or have had a heart attack.

You can walk away the same day after a coronary angioplasty if it's a straightforward procedure.
Precautions include avoiding strenuous activities, lifting heavy objects, and driving for a week. Older patients and those who’ve had a prior heart attack usually need to stay in hospital for about a week to recover.

A person can have as many angioplasties as deemed fit by their cardiologist. Repeat angioplasties have now become a norm, especially if the section of the blocked artery that was opened up earlier has become narrow again, leading to the return of symptoms. Treatment includes the insertion of a second stent in the same location during a repeat angioplasty.

No. Angioplasty procedure involves making just a tiny incision for inserting the catheter into your arm or groin.
Before doing this, a local anesthesia is injected using a tiny needle. Only when the area is numb, the incision is made. So it doesn’t hurt at all.
There may be minor pain after the procedure, though.

You can expect the coronary angioplasty procedure to last anywhere between half an hour to two hours.
You are under local anesthesia and do not feel any pain. Your heart rhythm and rate are also monitored using a heart monitor. But, if you feel unwell or feel discomfort at any time, you should inform your cardiologist.

After a standard coronary angioplasty procedure, you may need to stay in hospital for just several hours or overnight. If you are getting the procedure after a heart attack, both recovery and hospital stay are extended.
You will be asked to abstain from heavy lifting, driving, or straining for at least a week to prevent bleeding.