Final answer:
The disadvantages of angioplasty include complications such as restenosis, blood clots, bleeding, and artery damage, as well as potential issues with the stent placed during the procedure and the need for ongoing lifestyle changes and medication.
Step-by-step explanation:
Angioplasty, while a common procedure to treat occluded arteries, can have several disadvantages. These drawbacks stem from both the immediate and long-term outcomes associated with the surgery. Complications such as re-narrowing of the arteries (restenosis), blood clots within stents, bleeding from the catheter insertion site, and artery damage are notable risks. In rarer cases, angioplasties may lead to heart attacks or the need for emergency bypass surgery if the procedure does not go as planned.
A stent inserted during the process can improve long-term success rates, but it also introduces the possibility of allergic reactions to the stent material or long-term reliance on blood thinners. Lifestyle changes and medication remain critical after the procedure to prevent further artery occlusion. For individuals who may not be able to manage these lifestyle changes or take these medications, the risk of poor outcomes may increase.