-
We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Heart Stent Operation (Coronary Angioplasty)
Introduction
A heart stent operation, medically known as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary angioplasty , is a procedure used to open narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. It helps restore blood flow to the heart and can relieve symptoms such as chest pain (angina) or prevent heart attacks.
Why is it Needed?
Coronary arteries can become blocked due to atherosclerosis , a condition where fatty deposits (plaques) build up inside the walls of the arteries. This reduces blood flow, increasing the risk of serious heart conditions.
Common Reasons for a Stent:
- Coronary artery disease (CAD) – Narrowing of heart arteries due to plaque buildup.
- Acute heart attack (Myocardial infarction) – To quickly restore blood flow to the heart.
- Chronic angina – Persistent chest pain due to reduced blood supply.
How is the Procedure Performed?
The procedure involves the following steps: 1. Preparation : The patient is given local anesthesia and a mild sedative. 2. Catheter Insertion : A thin, flexible tube (catheter) is inserted through an artery, usually in the wrist or groin, and guided to the heart. 3. Balloon Inflation : A small balloon at the tip of the catheter is inflated to widen the narrowed artery. 4. Stent Placement : A tiny mesh tube (stent) is placed at the blockage site to keep the artery open long-term. 5. Final Check & Removal : The balloon is deflated, catheter removed, and blood flow is checked.
Recovery After a Heart Stent Operation
Most patients recover quickly. However, it's important to follow these steps: - Medication : Blood thinners (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel) are prescribed to prevent clot formation. - Lifestyle Changes : A heart-healthy diet , regular exercise, stress management, and quitting smoking are crucial. - Follow-Up Care : Regular check-ups with a cardiologist to monitor the heart’s condition.
Potential Risks and Complications
Although angioplasty is generally safe, risks include: - Bleeding at the catheter insertion site. - Restenosis (artery narrowing again over time, particularly if no drug-coated stent was used). - Allergic reaction to contrast dye used in the procedure. - Blood clots forming inside the stent, requiring medication to prevent this.
Conclusion
Heart stent placement is a life-saving , minimally invasive procedure that helps restore normal heart function. However, lifestyle changes and long-term medical management are essential to maintaining heart health. Always consult your cardiologist for ongoing care and monitoring.
Relevant Clinical Guidelines
- American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Guidelines for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
- European Society of Cardiology Guidelines for the Management of Acute Coronary Syndromes
Source recommendations
1. American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Guidelines for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001038
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2021/12/08/21/19/2021-Guideline-for-Revascularization-gl-revasc
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001168
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34895950/
- https://newsroom.heart.org/news/american-college-of-cardiology-american-heart-association-issue-coronary-artery-revascularization-guideline
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines for the Management of Acute Coronary Syndromes
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Acute-Coronary-Syndromes-ACS-Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/44/38/3720/7243210
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37622654/
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/14/1289/5898842
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21873419/
-
If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
Our advantages:
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.