An angioplasty is a procedure used to open blocked heart arteries. Coronary arteries get blocked due to deposition of fats, cholesterol or plaque. These blockages stop the blood flow to the heart muscles. Due to the insufficient supply of oxygenated blood, the heart muscles start dying. This condition is known as heart attack. Or decreased blood flow due to block can lead to chest pain and breathlessness, which also requires treatment.
In angioplasty, area of arterial blockages is opened by inserting a catheter with a tiny inflatable balloon on the end. Hence it is also known as Balloon Angioplasty. This is followed by placement of stent to open the blockage.