{
  "id": 19804934,
  "title": "Angioplasty, bypass or medicines? How doctors decide the right treatment after a heart attack",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/13/angioplasty-bypass-or-medicines-how-doctors-decide-the-right",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-13T12:24:09.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express - Lifestyle",
    "slug": "the-indian-express-lifestyle",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/health/angioplasty-bypass-or-medicines-how-doctors-decide-the-right-treatment-after-a-heart-attack-10878931/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "When a heart attack occurs, patients and their families often wonder whether surgery is automatically required. While procedures like angioplasty or bypass surgery are commonly linked to heart attacks, the treatment can differ based on what is happening inside the heart. Dr Aseem Dhall, Director & HOD of Cardiac Sciences at ISIC Multispeciality Hospital, provides insight into how doctors determine the appropriate treatment.\n\nDoctors initially assess the extent of the blockage, blood flow to the heart, and the patient's overall condition before deciding on a course of action. If the blockage is minor, blood flow is adequate, symptoms are controlled, and tests indicate a low risk of further complications, medications alone may suffice. However, if an artery is severely blocked, chest pain persists, or blood flow to the heart remains poor, procedures such as angioplasty may be necessary to restore circulation and prevent additional heart damage.\n\nSeveral factors influence the decision between angioplasty and bypass surgery. These include the patient's symptoms, overall heart function, age, and any additional medical conditions like diabetes or kidney disease. Angioplasty might be suitable for certain blockages, while bypass surgery could be considered when multiple major arteries are affected or when blockages are too complex for stenting. The number, location, and severity of the blockages, as well as the severity of the heart attack, are also crucial factors doctors consider.\n\nSometimes, a patient may feel well after a heart attack, yet underlying artery narrowing remains present. Follow-up tests are essential to ensure that significant blockages are addressed promptly. Tests like ECG, blood tests, echocardiograms, coronary angiography, stress testing, or coronary CT scans help determine the extent of heart damage and whether an artery needs intervention with angioplasty or surgery.\n\nWhile medicines play a crucial role in post-heart attack treatment, they generally cannot remove severe blockages. Instead, they help stabilise the blockage, reduce inflammation, prevent blood clots, lower cholesterol, and improve blood flow. However, if an artery is critically narrowed, a procedure may still be necessary to physically restore circulation. Recovery without surgery centres on medications, lifestyle changes, and ongoing medical follow-up. This includes regular medication adherence, controlling blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes, following a heart-healthy diet, gradually returning to physical activity, and participating in cardiac rehabilitation to safely rebuild fitness and confidence. Stopping smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, adequate sleep, and stress management are also vital for reducing the risk of another heart attack. Regular follow-up with a cardiologist is essential to monitor recovery and manage ongoing risk factors.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}