JP Nadda undergoes angioplasty: How the procedure works and when it is needed

Union Health Minister JP Nadda underwent angioplasty at AIIMS Delhi after a coronary angiography. Here is what the minimally invasive heart procedure involves, when it is needed and what happens afterwards.JP Nadda undergoes angioplasty at AIIMS Delhi. (Credits:PTI))Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda underwent angioplasty at AIIMS Delhi on Tuesday after doctors performed a coronary angiography. According to the hospital statement cited in reports, the 65-year-old minister is stable and under observation in the cardiology department.The development has brought attention to angioplasty, a commonly performed procedure used to improve blood flow to the heart when one or more coronary arteries become narrowed or blocked. The procedure is also frequently used during a heart attack when restoring blood flow quickly can be critical.Official statement by AlIMS, New Delhi regarding the health status of Hon’ble Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Shri J.P. Nadda. pic.twitter.com/uskN2kNREc— AIIMS, New Delhi (@aiims_newdelhi) August 18, 2026But what exactly happens during angioplasty? Is it a major surgery, why is a stent sometimes inserted and how long does recovery take?WHAT IS ANGIOPLASTY?Coronary angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to open a narrowed or blocked artery supplying blood to the heart.The coronary arteries can become narrowed because of a build-up of fatty deposits called plaque. This can restrict blood flow to the heart and cause symptoms such as chest pain or angina. In some cases, particularly when symptoms are severe or there is an acute blockage, doctors may recommend angioplasty to restore blood flow.Angioplasty is also known as percutaneous coronary intervention or PCI.HOW IS ANGIOPLASTY DONE?Unlike open-heart surgery, angioplasty does not require a large cut in the chest.The cardiologist usually inserts a thin flexible tube called a catheter through an artery in the wrist, arm or groin. Using X-ray imaging, the catheter is guided towards the affected coronary artery. A thin wire is then passed across the narrowed section.A small balloon attached to the catheter is positioned at the blockage and inflated. This pushes the plaque towards the artery wall and widens the passage, allowing blood to flow more freely.The balloon is then deflated and removed.WHY IS A STENT USED?In many angioplasty procedures, doctors also place a stent inside the artery.A stent is a small wire mesh tube that acts like a scaffold and helps keep the artery open after the balloon is removed. The stent expands when the balloon is inflated and remains permanently inside the artery.Many modern stents are drug-eluting stents, which release medication over time to reduce the risk of the artery narrowing again.ANGIOGRAPHY AND ANGIOPLASTY ARE DIFFERENTThe two procedures are often mentioned together, but they serve different purposes.A coronary angiography is primarily a diagnostic test. Doctors use a catheter and contrast dye along with X-ray imaging to see whether the coronary arteries have narrowed or become blocked.If a significant blockage is identified and treatment is appropriate, angioplasty can sometimes be performed during the same procedure.In simple terms, angiography helps doctors find the blockage, while angioplasty helps open it.WHEN DOCTORS RECOMMEND ANGIOPLASTY?Angioplasty may be considered when coronary arteries are significantly narrowed, and blood flow to the heart is restricted.It can be used for people with angina when medicines are not adequately controlling symptoms. It is also an important emergency treatment during certain heart attacks, where opening the blocked artery can quickly restore blood supply to the heart muscle.However, angioplasty is not automatically required for every person with a blockage. The decision depends on factors such as the location and severity of the blockage, symptoms, overall health and the patient's individual cardiac risk.IS ANGIOPLASTY A MAJOR SURGERY?Angioplasty is considered minimally invasive because doctors access the artery through a small puncture rather than opening the chest.The procedure is generally performed under local anaesthesia, and the patient is usually awake. A coronary angioplasty can take around 30 minutes to two hours, although complicated cases may take longer.For a planned procedure, some patients can go home the same day or the following day. Patients treated after a heart attack may need a longer hospital stay.WHAT ARE THE RISKS?Angioplasty is commonly performed, and serious complications are uncommon, but like any medical procedure, it carries some risks.Bruising or bleeding around the area where the catheter was inserted can occur. Rare but serious complications can include damage to a blood vessel, excessive bleeding, heart attack or stroke. The individual risk depends on factors including age, overall health and whether the procedure is planned or being performed as an emergency.WHAT HAPPENS AFTER ANGIOPLASTY?Recovery depends on why the procedure was performed and the patient's overall health.After a straightforward planned angioplasty, patients may be able to return to many normal activities relatively quickly. Doctors may advise avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous activity for about a week while the catheter insertion site heals.Patients who receive a stent are generally prescribed antiplatelet medicines to reduce the risk of blood clots forming inside the stent. It is important not to stop these medicines without medical advice.Angioplasty can improve blood flow and relieve symptoms, but it does not remove the underlying risk factors for coronary artery disease. Maintaining a heart-healthy diet, staying physically active, avoiding smoking and controlling conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol remain important after the procedure.- EndsPublished By: Smarica PantPublished On: Aug 18, 2026 15:21 IST