coronaryangioplasty and stents

Using this guide What's covered

Here you’ll find the answers to many of your questions about coronary angiography, angioplasty and stents. Learn how the procedures work, what they may cost, what your recovery may be like, and more.

To see how the procedures are done, view our animations below. For personal insights, see our patient experience videos in which HCF members talk frankly about their preparation, surgery and recovery.

Cost indicator

Discover the typical out-of-pocket costs HCF members can expect to pay for coronary angioplasty and stents, and learn how your choice of doctor and hospital affect those costs.


See costs

Learn about angiography

This short animation shows how dye can be injected into coronary arteries to help cardiologists diagnose heart problems.

Learn about angioplasty and stents

See how cardiologists restore blood flow by using angioplasty balloons to widen arteries and stents to prop them open.

The basics

Overview

A coronary angiogram is a type of x-ray that visualises the arteries that feed the heart. It may be performed with angioplasty, a procedure that opens up a narrowed coronary artery. Over 128,000 cardiac angiograms are performed in Australia every year.

A stent is a tiny mesh tube that can be placed inside the artery to keep it open. Over 47,000 procedures involving stents are performed in Australia every year.

Signs you may need these procedures

  • you have chest pain that is caused by narrowed or blocked coronary arteries
  • you’ve had abnormal results from a stress test
  • you have heart disease, also known as coronary artery disease
  • you have a blockage in a coronary artery.

The details

Considering surgery

What are coronary angiograms and stents?

How angiograms, angioplasty and stents work. 
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Alternatives to these procedures

Other treatments you can talk to your doctor about.
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Results vs risks

The benefits and potential complications of angioplasty and stents.
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Preparation

Choosing a specialist

How to find a cardiologist who specialises in your procedure.
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Questions for your cardiologist

What you should be asking before going ahead with the procedure.
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Preparing for your procedure

Pre-operative tests and imaging.
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Your procedure

Going to hospital

What to expect on the day of your procedure.
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Your procedure

What happens in the operating theatre.
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Recovery and aftercare

After your procedure

Before you leave the hospital.
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Back at home

Rehab, aftercare and lifestyle modifications.
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Patient experiences

HCF members who’ve had these procedures talk about their preparation, hospital stay and recovery.

View videos

Give us feedback

Did you find this guide helpful? Let us know what you liked or what we can do to improve it. We'd love to hear from you.

To provide feedback, email us at wellbeing@hcf.com.au.

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Important information

Information is provided by HCF in good faith for the convenience of members. It is not an endorsement or recommendation of any form of treatment nor is it a substitute for medical advice, and you should rely on the advice of your treating doctors in relation to all matters concerning your health. Every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, however HCF takes no responsibility for any injury, loss, damage or other consequences of the use of this information.