Over time, lifestyle choices like smoking, poor diet, and not enough exercise can result in atherosclerosis, or the hardening of the arteries. If left untreated, this condition can be life-threatening. Fortunately, coronary interventions and peripheral interventions are two effective, minimally invasive ways to restore blood flow to the arteries.
Located in Oakland, NJ, the doctors at Cardiac Associates of North Jersey are dedicated to providing patients with a broad range of cardiovascular treatments that can improve the overall quality of their lives. For more information about our practice or any of the services we offer, contact us today.
Coronary Interventions
The body’s arteries can become clogged when cholesterol, fat, calcium, and other components clump together to form a thick substance called plaque. This plaque obstructs the flow of blood within the body, withholding vital nutrients and making the heart work harder than usual to pump blood throughout the body. This blockage can be particularly dangerous when it occurs in the arteries around and near the heart.
In order to restore blood flow to in the arteries near the heart, a procedure called a coronary intervention must be performed. During this procedure, a thin tube called a catheter is inserted under the skin and direct into the blocked artery. To reverse blockage and restore blood flow, a small structure called a stent is placed inside of the artery. This props the artery open, allowing blood to flow freely through it.
Symptoms that might suggest the need for a coronary intervention include frequent upper body discomfort, shortness of breath, nausea, lack of energy, and sleep problems. If left untreated, coronary artery blockages can result in a heart attack.
Peripheral Interventions
When blockage of the arteries occurs in the arms or legs, this blockage is referred to as peripheral artery disease. A peripheral intervention is a method used to fight back against this artery blockage and restore proper blood flow to the extremities.
Like coronary interventions, peripheral interventions typically use a thin tube called a catheter to access the blood vessel. During treatment, the catheter is inserted into a blood vessel and directed to the area of blockage. From there, a technique is used to remove plaque from the artery and reinstate full blood flow.
Because the muscles and tissues need oxygen and nutrients to function properly, artery blockage can be detrimental to the health of the people that suffer from it. One of the most notorious telltale signs of a blocked artery is claudication. Claudication is defined as pain and cramping in the leg that is the result of inadequate blood flow to the muscles.
If you suspect that you or a loved one might need a peripheral or coronary intervention, don’t hesitate — contact Cardiac Associates of North Jersey today to schedule a consultation appointment.
