NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Following a heart attack, many patients continue to have low blood flow to the heart tissue, yet have no symptoms. Findings from a new study suggest that these “silent” heart attacks are best treated with angioplasty rather than with medications.With angioplasty, a tiny catheter is inserted in an artery in the leg and then, under X-ray guidance, the tip is extended into the coronary arteries feeding the heart. A tiny balloon is then inflated, which opens the blocked artery, ideally restoring blood flow to the heart tissue. Nowadays, angioplasty is often accompanied by the placement of a stent to keep the narrowed artery open.>>> Discuss This Story
