ADVANCEMENTS IN UNDERSTANDING ANGINA PECTORIS POST-PERCUTANEOUS CORONARY INTERVENTION: IMPLICATIONS FOR ATHLETE HEART HEALTH

Abstract

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a critical treatment strategy for managing coronary artery disease, often employed to alleviate coronary artery stenosis and restore myocardial perfusion. While effective, PCI can lead to complications such as abnormal coronary artery changes, in-stent restenosis, thrombosis, and incomplete revascularization (ICR), resulting in recurrent angina pectoris in approximately 30% of patients. These complications hold particular significance for athletes, whose high-performance demands and cardiovascular strain make management and recovery from ICR crucial. This paper explores the specific challenges and treatment modalities relevant to managing post-PCI angina in athletes, including dietary adjustments, optimized pharmacological strategies, and potential re-interventions like ultra-high-pressure balloons and coronary artery bypass grafting. By focusing on the unique physiological demands and recovery profiles of athletes, this study aims to guide clinicians in enhancing treatment outcomes and maintaining peak physical condition post-PCI, thereby addressing an urgent need to tailor cardiovascular care in the sports context.