What is the primary purpose of angioplasty?

The primary purpose of angioplasty is to open narrowed or blocked blood vessels. This procedure is essential in treating conditions that arise from atherosclerosis, where plaque builds up in the arteries, leading to reduced blood flow. During angioplasty, a catheter equipped with a balloon is inserted into the affected artery and then inflated to widen the blood vessel. This process helps restore normal blood flow, relieving symptoms like chest pain and reducing the risk of heart attacks.

Angioplasty is specifically aimed at improving blood flow in the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle. By doing so, it addresses critical issues related to cardiovascular health, making it a vital intervention in the management of heart disease. Other options, like replacing heart valves, diagnosing heart conditions, or repairing aortic aneurysms, refer to different procedures or purposes and are not related to the specific function of angioplasty.