What Percentage of Blockage Requires Angioplasty?

Angioplasty Guidelines: When is it Medically Necessary?

Coronary heart disease is one of the most common diseases in the world. A common procedure used to treat this disease is angioplasty. But when exactly is it necessary? The answer primarily lies in the percentage of arterial blockage. Generally, 50% blockage or more requires an angioplasty.

What is angioplasty?

Angioplasty is a procedure that creates more space in the artery. It is done when plaque blocks your artery. It is a minimally intensive procedure that forces plaque against the arterial walls. As a result, blood flows more easily.

Your healthcare provider will use a medical balloon to push plaque through spots that are blocked. Generally, it is a safe procedure and less invasive than other heart surgeries.

When is Angioplasty Required?

Healthcare providers do not perform angioplasty for every case of heart artery blockage. Depending on certain factors, your healthcare provider may suggest this procedure. The factors are as follows:

• The severity of the blockage
• Symptoms, especially if you experience chest pain and shortness of breath
• The risk of a heart attack
• Certain heart function tests

What Percentage of Blockage Requires Angioplasty?

Generally, angioplasty is recommended when an artery has a blockage of 70% (or more). A blockage higher than 70% is classified as a severe cardiac blockage. This level of blockage can seriously restrict blood flow, causing symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath. Hence, doctors perform angioplasty.

However, this is not a strict rule, as your doctor may also suggest angioplasty even when the blockage is less severe.

• A cardiac blockage, which falls in the 50-70% range, may also require angioplasty if you show symptoms or abnormal results on stress tests.
• For patients with left main coronary artery disease, even a 50% blockage may require medical intervention and angioplasty.

Doctors usually treat a moderate heart obstruction of less than 40% with appropriate medicines and dietary and lifestyle changes. Such blockages do not hinder blood flow, and patients do not show symptoms. However, there is clear evidence to suggest that the disease is progressive. Hence, patients should change their lifestyle and diet to reduce the risk factors.

Other Symptoms that Require Angioplasty

Although your healthcare provider will suggest angioplasty if your arteries have a blockage of 70% or more, they will examine other symptoms as well. They are as follows:

• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Arm or leg pain
• Sleep apnoea
• Cyanosis (blue hands and feet)

Your doctor will take into account all these factors, including the percentage of your arterial blockage, and then suggest angioplasty.

While not all blockages require angioplasty, a blockage of 70% or more often requires this procedure. If you feel like you have a blockage or are experiencing symptoms of a blockage, you should approach your healthcare provider immediately. Your doctor will guide you through all the required tests and procedures.