Who might need PCI?
Dr Nijjer talks about PCI / Angioplasty for patients with angina and for those having a heart attack. Patients with stable angina are typically managed with medications initially and may undergo investigations to look for ischaemia (a lack of blood supply). If there is evidence of ischaemia or a significant burden of heart artery disease then performing a coronary angiogram can help identify the cause. In the modern era, we may perform a measurement of blood flow using a pressure wire. If this shows reduced blood flow, then coronary angioplasty with stenting (known as PCI) can be appropriate.
