6 Benefits of Interventional Cardiology

by Kevin Smith Author

Heart disease remains the number one cause of death among Americans. That makes it incumbent upon both the medical community and patients to take charge of cardiac care and take steps to reduce the number of deaths caused by cardiovascular disease and stroke each year in the US.

Cardiology has come a long way in the last 30 years, with improvements in the fields of technology, pharmacology, and medical practice making a significant impact on patient outcomes. While the number of fatal cardiovascular disease cases may be on the decline, there is much more progress to be made. One school of cardiology aims to provide patients with a non-invasive way of attacking cardiovascular disease and stroke without major surgery. Read on to learn about some of the benefits of interventional cardiology in Suffolk County, NY.

Less Invasive

Interventional cardiology is a non-surgical form of cardiology that is less invasive than traditional surgical treatments for cardiovascular disease. Much of the work is performed using catheters inserted into the veins and arteries to make repairs to the cardiovascular system or insert remedial devices such as stints. Because of the use of the catheter, incisions are smaller and don’t involve open surgery.

Quick Fixes

Interventional cardiology procedures are often conducted in 30 minutes or less and don’t require the excessive recovery time experienced in surgical or invasive cardiological procedures. In most cases, interventional cardiology procedures require no more than one night in the hospital before the patient can be released. That means patients can return to their regular activities more easily without an extensive period of healing.

Less Anesthesia

One of the greatest areas of risk for anyone undergoing a medical procedure is an adverse reaction to general anesthesia. While anesthesia is generally safe, many doctors will avoid using it when possible because of its inherent risks. That makes interventional cardiology procedures attractive to many patients since most procedures don’t involve the administration of general anesthesia.

Fast Results

Often, the results from interventional cardiology procedures come quickly and provide almost instant relief to patients. Symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, and dizziness can be relieved soon after the procedures are completed.

Highly Effective

Interventional cardiology procedures can be a highly effective tool in combatting cardiovascular disease and stroke. For example, procedures such as angioplasty can quickly open clogged arteries, which can be a life-saving step that prevents further damage to the heart. Valve repairs that previously required open heart surgery and extensive recovery can be done through interventional cardiology with equivalent results.

Less Expensive

Interventional cardiology involves less invasive procedures that are performed quickly, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times. Therefore, they can be more affordable for patients than more extensive cardiovascular surgeries. That can be a benefit to those who don’t have adequate insurance coverage as well as the uninsured.

Interventional cardiology in Suffolk County, NY, can provide heart patients with a less invasive, more convenient, highly effective way of combatting the nation’s number one cause of death.