Final answer:
The goal of angioplasty is to restore blood flow to ischemic myocardial tissue, reduce the need for cardiac medication, and eliminate or reduce the number of angina episodes — essentially, all of the above.
Step-by-step explanation:
The goal of angioplasty is multifaceted. Primarily, it aims to restore blood flow to ischemic myocardial tissue, which is compromised when coronary arteries are blocked due to plaque buildup. The procedure involves dilating the arteries with a balloon to compress plaque against the artery walls, which increases the lumen size and thus improves blood flow.
Beyond the immediate improvement in blood flow, angioplasty may also reduce the need for cardiac medication as improved circulation can lead to better heart function and decrease the need for medication that alters heart rate, blood pressure, or cholesterol levels. Furthermore, by improving blood flow, angioplasty can eliminate or reduce the number of angina episodes, which are often caused by insufficient blood flow to the heart muscle, thereby improving the patient's quality of life.
A stent, which is a small mesh tube, is often inserted during the angioplasty procedure to prevent the collapse of the vessel and ensure the artery remains open. In terms of procedural outcomes, the goal is comprehensive and aligns with all the aforementioned benefits—therefore, the correct answer to the provided question would be d. All of the above.