A key function of the heart is to pump blood throughout your body and deliver nutrients to your vital organs. When blood flow to the heart becomes obstructed by hardened or clogged arteries your heart has to work harder to get the oxygen it needs to work properly. This can cause a heart attack or heart failure. VCS interventional cardiologists use advanced test and treatments to reduce the risk of heart attacked due to a blockage caused by hardened arteries.
Interventional cardiologists perform minimally invasive procedures that rely on catheters and small incisions instead of traditional surgery. These procedures include:
- Balloon angioplasty to open blocked arteries
- Balloon valvuloplasty to widen a stiff or narrowed heart valve
- Implantation of coronary stents to hold open previously blocked arteries
- Cardiac catheterization
For additional educational resources:
www.heart.org