Veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan reportedly underwent an angioplasty at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai on Friday.
Reports suggest that an angioplasty was performed on a clot in his leg and not his heart.
Amid reports of his hospitalisation, the 81-year-old took to social media platform X (formerly called Twitter) to express his gratitude. “T 4950 - in gratitude ever...," the message read.
While no official statement has been released by Big B's team or the hospital, we spoke to an expert to understand what an angioplasty actually is, who needs it, and whether or not it is risky.
T 4950 - in gratitude ever ..
— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) March 15, 2024
What Is Angioplasty?
Dr Bimal Chhajer, former consultant at AIIMS and Director, SAAOL Heart Centre, New Delhi, describes angioplasty as a medical procedure used to widen narrowed or obstructed arteries, typically those supplying blood to the heart (coronary arteries) or other vital organs.
“The procedure works by using a balloon-tipped catheter to dilate the narrowed or blocked artery and is commonly performed to improve blood flow to the heart muscle in individuals with coronary artery disease,” he explains.
Also Read: Is Your Heart In Good Shape? 5 Important Tests That Can Tell You
Role Of Stents
According to Dr Chhajer, stents are essential to many medical treatments, especially in the field of cardiac intervention.
“These tiny, mesh-like tubes help keep the blood vessel open and structurally stable, which makes them useful for treating blocked or restricted arteries,” he says.
He elaborates, “Stents are commonly inserted to help maintain the artery open when a balloon catheter is inflated during treatments like angioplasty, which widens a narrowed artery. After the stent is positioned inside the artery, it expands to form a scaffold that keeps the artery walls apart and stops them from narrowing or collapsing—a condition known as restenosis. Stents come in a variety of designs, including bare-metal stents, and can be constructed of polymers or metal (such as cobalt-chromium or stainless steel).”
Who Usually Needs An Angioplasty?
People with Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) may require an angioplasty.
CAD is a disorder where the arteries are clogged or constricted.
Angioplasty and stent placement may be beneficial for patients who have symptoms like angina (chest discomfort) or dyspnea from restricted blood supply to the heart muscle.
Furthermore, people who have had a heart attack or are highly likely to do so are frequently advised to get stents, Dr Chhajer advises.
It is also important to know that angioplasty may also be used in other parts of the body that have narrow or blocked arteries. These include conditions like Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), which is the narrowing of the arteries in the legs, carotid artery disease, which is the narrowing of the arteries in the neck; and renal artery stenosis, which is the narrowing of the arteries supplying the kidneys.
Are There Any Risks Involved With The Procedure?
Dr Chhajer says that a minimally invasive technique like angioplasty can reduce the risk of heart attacks and relieve the symptoms of CAD in a typically safe and effective manner. However, some of the possible dangers and side effects include:
- Bleeding
- Blood vessel damage
- Allergic reactions to contrast dye
- Restenosis (or re-narrowing) of the treated artery
“To minimise the risks associated with angioplasty, patients should undergo a thorough evaluation and assessment before the procedure,” the doctor advises. This may include blood tests, imaging studies, and a review of medical history to identify any underlying conditions that could increase the risk of complications.
“Patients may also need to discontinue certain medications, such as blood thinners, before angioplasty to reduce the risk of bleeding during the procedure,” he adds.
Life After Angioplasty
Recovery after an angioplasty can vary from person to person, depending on the circumstances in which the procedure was performed. If a person had planned the surgery, they might be able to return to daily tasks after a week or so. On the contrary, if a person had an emergency procedure, it might take them several weeks to get back on their feet.
Dr Chhajer recommends taking proactive measures to facilitate healing, reduce problems, and enhance overall well-being in order to ensure a smooth recovery following angioplasty.
The following are some essential tactics to promote a speedy recovery:
Follow medical advice: It's critical that you follow your healthcare provider's post-procedure advice. This entails adhering to dietary advice, taking prescription drugs as suggested, and making regular follow-up appointments.
Keep an eye on your symptoms: Keep a watchful eye on your health and promptly report any new or worsening symptoms to your physician.
Healthy lifestyle decisions: Making heart-healthy lifestyle choices can aid in the healing process and enhance long-term results. Get ample rest and stay hydrated.
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