Coronary Angioplasty in London
Safe, effective treatment to restore healthy blood flow to your heart
At London Heart Group, our team of expert interventional cardiologists offers coronary angioplasty — a minimally invasive procedure to open narrowed or blocked coronary arteries.
If you have chest pain, breathlessness, or have been diagnosed with coronary artery disease, angioplasty can help improve blood flow, relieve symptoms, and reduce your risk of heart attack.
What Is Coronary Angioplasty?
Coronary angioplasty (also known as percutaneous coronary intervention, or PCI) is a specialist procedure used to treat narrowed or blocked heart arteries caused by fatty deposits (atherosclerosis).
During the procedure:
A fine, flexible catheter is inserted into an artery in your wrist or groin and guided to your heart.
A tiny balloon is inflated at the site of the narrowing to widen the artery and restore normal blood flow.
In most cases, a small metal mesh tube (stent) is placed to help keep the artery open long-term.
The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic with mild sedation, so you remain comfortable throughout and can usually return home the same or next day.
Why You Might Need Coronary Angioplasty
Your cardiologist may recommend angioplasty if you have:
Angina (chest pain) due to reduced blood flow to the heart
Shortness of breath, fatigue, or reduced exercise tolerance
Acute coronary syndrome (including heart attack or unstable angina)
Narrowed or blocked coronary arteries found on an angiogram
Previously placed stents that have narrowed again (re-stenosis)
The aim of angioplasty is to restore normal blood flow, relieve symptoms, and prevent future heart damage.
What to Expect Before and After
Before the Procedure
You’ll have a full clinical assessment, which may include ECGs, echocardiography, and a coronary angiogram. Your consultant will explain exactly what to expect and answer any questions.
During the Procedure
Performed under local anaesthetic (usually via the wrist artery)
Lasts around 30–90 minutes, depending on complexity
You may feel some mild pressure in the chest as the balloon is inflated, which passes quickly
After the Procedure
You’ll rest in a recovery area for a few hours while your access site is monitored
Most patients go home later the same day or after an overnight stay
You can resume light activities within a few days, and most people are back to normal within a week
Your consultant will arrange a follow-up appointment and provide guidance on heart-healthy lifestyle changes and any medication adjustments.
How Safe Is Coronary Angioplasty?
Coronary angioplasty is one of the most common and safest cardiac procedures performed worldwide. At London Heart Group, all procedures are carried out by experienced consultant interventional cardiologists in state-of-the-art catheter laboratories using advanced imaging and safety monitoring.
Excellent Safety Record
Major complications are rare (less than 1–2%), even in complex cases.
Continuous ECG, blood pressure, and oxygen monitoring are in place throughout.
Our consultants are supported by a full team of specialist nurses, radiographers, and cardiac physiologists.
Patients are typically discharged the same day or after one night in hospital.
Long-term success rates are high, with most patients experiencing immediate relief from angina and a significant improvement in quality of life.
Potential Risks
Like any medical procedure, there are small risks — such as bruising at the catheter site, allergic reaction to dye, or, rarely, bleeding or re-narrowing of the artery over time.
Your cardiologist will explain these risks clearly and discuss how they are minimised in your individual case.
Book in with London Heart Group
If you’ve been experiencing symptoms or have been advised to have an angiogram, our team of expert cardiologists is here to help.
Call us on 0208 226 5888 or email enquiries@londonheartgroup.co.uk
Early detection saves lives — let’s take care of your heart together.