Most Angioplasty Surgeries Not Necessary, Study Indicates

Many people complain to their doctor about chest pain, and physicians are often quick to recommend surgery to help with the discomfort. A new study released indicates that not only is angioplasty unneeded in these cases, but the effects are not long term.

Angioplasties open up an artery connected to the heart in hopes that it will prevent death and reduce the chances of heart attacks. When patients are suffering from aching chest pains, many times they find relief from the surgery and may worry less about problems in the future.

The newest study is somewhat shocking and eye opening to those who have recommended the procedure for such a long time.

The results indicate that patients did not have a better chance of survival or less occurance of heart attack in non-emergency situations. They also did not get the predicted pain relief after having an angioplasty performed which remains as the biggest reason why the surgery is done. After only five years, the pain is back the same as it was before the procedure.

The results of the study were released Monday at a meeting at American College or Cardiology. The lead researcher, Dr. William Boden read the report to collegues. The information will also be published by the New England Journal of Medicine's April 12^th edition.

When patients arrive at the hospital suffering from a heart attack or the apparent symptoms of expecting one, angioplasty remains a helpful and often life saving procedure.

But those who get the surgery as a preventative or for aches in their chest or heart, the outcome is far from worth the risk according to the new findings. Reason's behind the chest pain is often clogged arteries which crimp off the vessels supply to the heart.

Patients who opt not to have the procedure are just as likely to live as those who choose to have the artery opening surgery done. And there are risks to any medical operation so it may be one worth considering carefully.

The study shows that the reason angioplasty did not work the way it has been thought of is that it only opens one blockage at time, whereas medication can do better for many patients, opening more arteries. It also showed that many of the clogged arteries weren't in fact deadly and that angioplasty was not helpful in those situations.

Experts are recommending that those suffering with chest pains or other heart conditions try taking drugs first, then look towards other options such as angioplasty or bypass surgery. Bypass surgery has been proven to prevent heart attack and save lives.

Sources:

Marilynn Marchione. "Most Angioplasties unneeded, study finds" Newsday.com

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