Which term describes a procedure to widen a narrowed blood vessel?

Which term describes a procedure to widen a narrowed blood vessel?

• A. Angioplasty
• B. Angina
• C. Anemia
• D. Anoxia

Answer: (A)

Angioplasty is the procedure used to widen a narrowed blood vessel. It typically involves threading a balloon-tipped catheter to the site of narrowing and inflating the balloon to stretch the vessel open and improve blood flow; often a stent is placed to help keep the vessel from narrowing again. The word parts help you remember the meaning: angio- means vessel, and -plasty means molding or shaping. This distinguishes the term from angina, which is chest pain due to reduced blood flow; anemia, a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin; and anoxia, a lack of oxygen.

Angioplasty is the procedure used to widen a narrowed blood vessel. It typically involves threading a balloon-tipped catheter to the site of narrowing and inflating the balloon to stretch the vessel open and improve blood flow; often a stent is placed to help keep the vessel from narrowing again. The word parts help you remember the meaning: angio- means vessel, and -plasty means molding or shaping. This distinguishes the term from angina, which is chest pain due to reduced blood flow; anemia, a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin; and anoxia, a lack of oxygen.