Heart stents save Lives not heart disease

For many people getting a heart stent is a life saving procedure.  During angioplasty doctors place a small metal stent inside a blocked artery to restore blood flow to the heart.

This helps reduce chest pain and in many cases can save a person’s life during a heart attack.

However heart specialists say that a stent is not a cure for heart disease. A stent only opens the artery that is already blocked. It does not stop the disease that causes fatty deposits known as plaque to build up inside the arteries.

If a person does not manage the risk factors new blockages can develop over time.

Doctors explain that a stent works like a small support tube that keeps the artery open so blood can flow more easily.

But it cannot prevent cholesterol and other harmful substances from collecting in other parts of the blood vessels. If someone continues to smoke has uncontrolled diabetes high cholesterol unhealthy eating habits or does not take prescribed medicines regularly the risk of future heart problems remains high.

Heart experts compare the arteries to the water pipes in a house.

Even if one blocked section is repaired the rest of the pipes can still become clogged if the main problem is not fixed.

Modern drug coated stents are very effective but they do not remove every risk. In some patients scar tissue may grow inside the stent causing the artery to narrow again.

This condition is called restenosis. Although it is less common with today’s stents it can still happen.

Another serious but rare complication is stent thrombosis where a blood clot forms inside the stent.

This can lead to a heart attack and may become life threatening.  Doctors say the risk increases if patients stop taking blood thinning medicines without medical advice.

Heart disease is a long term condition that can continue to progress.

Even if the treated artery stays open plaque can build up in other arteries increasing the chance of another heart attack.

Experts say patients can greatly reduce these risks by following their treatment plan.

This includes taking all prescribed medicines especially blood thinners and cholesterol-lowering drugs exactly as directed.

Lifestyle changes are just as important. Quitting smoking eating a healthy diet exercising regularly after getting a doctor’s approval maintaining a healthy weight and controlling diabetes blood pressure and cholesterol can all help protect the heart.

Regular medical checkups are also important to detect any new problems early.

Doctors advise seeking immediate medical care if you experience chest pain or pressure shortness of breath heavy sweating dizziness fainting pain spreading to the arm jaw or back or unusual tiredness after having a stent.

Early treatment can prevent serious complications and save lives.

While a heart stent is an important treatment that can restore blood flow and save lives it should not be seen as a permanent cure.

Long term heart health depends on taking medicines regularly living a healthy lifestyle and paying attention to any warning signs.