Heart Health Series - Part 5 - Stents and Coronary Artery Blockages

We often realize our mistakes only when we experience the consequences of it, which can be too late to correct at times. In this case, we are talking about the mistake of neglecting our heart health with unhealthy lifestyle (fatty diet, lack of exercise, poor stress management et al) that can prove to be costly.

Poor lifestyle can lead to blockages in the coronary artery over time that might lead to coronary heart disease. The blockage in the artery may cause chest pain, shortness of breath, a cold sweat, and lightheadedness due to decreased flow of blood into the heart. Plaque build-up in the artery causes a blockage or narrowing of the artery.

"Don't ignore these signs, no matter how insignificant they may appear. They could be red flags of poor blood flow in one of your coronary arteries, and you should see your doctor as soon as possible" says Dr. Douglas Drachman, an interventional cardiologist with Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital.

The easy way to control it from happening is taking your medication along with lifestyle changes. If it's more severe, surgery may become inevitable. Or, you may need a stent, a tiny tube that props open arteries to allow easy flow of blood.

Stent, not always the answer for artery blockage

A stent can play a big role in treating your heart disease. It helps keep your arteries open, thus allowing the blood vessels that carry blood from your heart to other parts of your body, and the heart muscle itself.

By opening up the blocked artery and restoring blood flow, the stent can stop damage to your heart muscle and reduce your chance of suffering heart failure or even death.

"When people learn that they may have a coronary artery blockage, they often automatically think they will need a stent," says Dr. Drachman. "It's not a straightforward decision, as stent treatment may be helpful for some, but may have limitations or pose risk for others. A stent can be lifesaving for people who are having a heart attack, but may not be the best way to prevent a heart attack."

The Stent Procedure

The stent is inserted into the clogged artery with a balloon catheter. The balloon is inflated, reopening the vessel, and the stent expands and locks in place. This holds the artery open to allow blood to flow freely. Once the blood flow is restored, the stent can stop damage to your heart muscle and reduce your chance of suffering heart failure or even death.

The latest stent technology makes them more functional reducing the chance of needing a repeat procedure. They are more flexible and lined with medication to discourage growth of scar tissue and prevent re-narrowing of the artery. About 75% of stents are now inserted through the wrist instead of the groin, lowering the risk of bleeding and speeding up recovery.

Though stent technology has evolved over the years making stent insertion easier, causing fewer complications and side effects, study findings have shown that stents don't prevent heart attacks any better than optimal medical treatment.

"Although some people may have a heart condition that requires a stent, for the vast majority, lifestyle changes and medications that focus on prevention is often the best approach," says Dr. Drachman.

Prevention Measures

A few lifestyle changes can go a long way in preventing plaque buildup inside your arteries by:

• Exercising more
• Managing a healthy weight
• Quitting smoking if you have tobacco habit
• Learning to manage stress better
• Taking medications as prescribed by your doctor

Take charge of your health and lead a heart-healthy, more productive life.