The Life-saving Role of PCI in Heart Emergencies

Small in size and yet considered the most hardworking, the heart is the organ that keeps you alive as it continuously pumps about 2,000 gallons (7,571 litres) of nutrient-rich blood to every part of the body every day, without rest.

Sadly, we are often guilty of not giving our heart the care and attention it deserves. This neglect has led to a surge in heart attacks among young Malaysians, with 1 in 5 incidences occurring in adults below the age 40.

A heart attack is a medical emergency as the lack of blood flow to the heart —primarily due to narrowing or blockage in the artery—can lead to potentially irreversible damage to this vital organ.

This is where PCI comes in as a life-saving intervention.

What is PCI?

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI), commonly known as angioplasty, is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat narrowed or clogged coronary arteries to ensure long-lasting symptom relief, improved heart function and a better long-term prognosis for patients.

It is also less invasive which translates to shorter recovery times, less discomfort and a lower risk of complications compared to an open-heart surgery.

How does PCI treat heart attacks?

During PCI, a catheter with a small balloon at its tip is inserted through a blood vessel and guided to the site of the blockage. Once in place, the balloon is inflated to widen the artery, often followed by the placement of a stent to keep the artery open.

Who can benefit from PCI?

Many patients who have experienced heart attacks and severe coronary artery disease (CAD) have benefited from PCI.

Individuals with any of the following risk factors are encouraged to undergo a heart assessment to determine if PCI is necessary:

• Family history of heart diseases
• High blood pressure and cholesterol
• Obesity and being overweight
• Diabetes
• Tobacco use

Take charge of your heart health!

Heart emergencies often occur suddenly and without warning. Even if you show no signs of heart disease such as chest pain and shortness of breath, it is still crucial to get regular checkups to identify any underlying issues early and allow for timely interventions.