Medically reviewed by Dr Pinakin V Parekh, General & Interventional Cardiologist (MBBS (Singapore), MRCP (UK), GDFM (Singapore), FAMS (Singapore), FRCP (Glasgow)). Last Updated: 2026, 28 August
Founder & Medical Director of Trident Heart Centre
Dr Pinakin V Parekh is an interventional cardiologist in Singapore with over 20 years of experience in heart care. He specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of heaart diseases, including procedures such as angiogram and angioplasty.
Coronary angioplasty, also known as heart balloon surgery, is a procedure that opens narrowed or blocked coronary arteries to restore normal blood flow to the heart. During the procedure, a small balloon is inflated inside the artery to widen it, often followed by placement of a stent to keep it open.
This procedure is commonly performed to treat coronary artery disease and improve symptoms such as chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, or fatigue.
You may be recommended a coronary angioplasty if:
Yes, an angiogram and angioplasty can often be done in the same visit. First, a diagnostic angiogram checks for blockages, and if needed, an angioplasty with stent placement can be performed immediately after. This approach saves time and avoids multiple procedures.
Here’s what you can expect before, during, and after your coronary angioplasty to help you feel prepared and informed.
Before your angioplasty, our cardiologist will:
During your angioplasty, the cardiologist carefully opens the narrowed artery to restore blood flow. The steps are:
Step 1: A thin, flexible catheter is inserted into a blood vessel in your wrist or groin.
Step 2: The catheter is guided through your blood vessels to the blocked coronary artery using X-ray imaging.
Step 3: A small balloon at the tip of the catheter is inflated to open the artery.
Step 4: A stent may be placed to keep the artery open and support healthy blood flow.
Step 5: The procedure usually takes 60 – 90 minutes, depending on the complexity of your condition.
After your angioplasty, you will be monitored in a recovery area to ensure your heart rhythm, blood pressure, and puncture site are stable. Most patients can go home the same day or after an overnight stay, with instructions on medications, activity, and follow-up care from your cardiologist.
Some patients have calcium buildup in their coronary arteries, which can make angioplasty more challenging. Dr Pinakin is experienced in performing complex angioplasty on arteries with calcium buildup.
This whole process can be done in one single procedure, saving time and multiple procedure sessions.
Work & Daily Activities
Most patients can return to light activities within a few days, avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for at least a week.
Exercise
Gentle walking is encouraged, gradually increasing activity as advised by your cardiologist.
Medications
Take all prescribed medications, including blood thinners, exactly as directed to support heart health and prevent complications.
Follow-Up Care
Attend scheduled appointments to monitor your heart, stent, and overall recovery.
Lifestyle
Maintain a heart-healthy diet, manage stress, and avoid smoking to support long-term heart health.
Most procedures take around 60 - 90 minutes.
Angioplasty is generally very safe, but like any procedure, there can be risks such as bleeding at the catheter site, bruising, infection, or very rarely, heart rhythm changes or artery damage.
Yes, you’ll usually be prescribed medications to protect your heart and help your stent work effectively.
Modern stents are designed to last a lifetime and are permanent.
Only if new blockages develop, and we’ll guide you on how to prevent that and keep your heart healthy.
No referral is needed — you’re welcome to book directly with Dr Pinakin.
Dr Pinakin uses current, evidence-based methods to carefully evaluate and treat heart conditions, helping you feel confident in your care.
Every patient is treated as an individual, with attention to your full health and lifestyle, not just the heart problem.
From assessment to treatment, screenings and procedures are conveniently coordinated in one place for a smoother, more reassuring experience.
