Cardiac PC likely refers to Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI), a procedure used to treat narrowed or blocked coronary arteries (blood vessels in the heart). It's sometimes informally referred to as "cardiac angioplasty with stent."
Understanding Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI)
PCI is a minimally invasive (non-surgical) procedure performed by a cardiologist. It aims to improve blood flow to the heart muscle by opening up blocked or narrowed coronary arteries, usually due to atherosclerosis (plaque buildup).
How PCI Works:
- Catheter Insertion: A thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel, usually in the groin or arm, and guided to the blocked coronary artery.
- Angioplasty (Balloon Inflation): A small balloon at the tip of the catheter is inflated at the site of the blockage. This compresses the plaque against the artery walls, widening the artery.
- Stent Placement: A small, expandable metal mesh tube called a stent is usually placed within the artery to keep it open after the balloon is deflated. The stent acts as a scaffold, preventing the artery from narrowing again. Some stents are drug-eluting, meaning they release medication to prevent future blockage.
- Catheter Removal: Once the stent is in place, the balloon is deflated, and the catheter is removed.
Benefits of PCI:
- Improves blood flow to the heart.
- Reduces chest pain (angina).
- Reduces the risk of heart attack.
- Minimally invasive procedure.
- Shorter recovery time compared to open-heart surgery.
Risks of PCI:
- Bleeding or infection at the insertion site.
- Blood clots.
- Restenosis (narrowing of the artery again).
- Allergic reaction to the contrast dye used.
- Rarely, heart attack or stroke.
Therefore, when someone refers to "cardiac PC," they are most probably talking about Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI).
