Thinking About a Heart Stent? What to Expect Before, During, and After Placement

If your cardiologist has recommended a coronary stent, you probably have questions about the procedure, recovery, and long-term outlook. This guide walks you through each step—from deciding whether a stent is right for you to living a heart-healthy life afterward—so you can approach treatment with confidence.

A coronary stent is a tiny mesh tube used to keep a narrowed or blocked coronary artery open after angioplasty. Your physician may suggest it if you have stable angina that limits daily activities, an acute coronary syndrome such as a heart attack, or significant blockage discovered during diagnostic catheterization. Stents restore blood flow and reduce chest pain, but they are not a cure-all. The decision to implant one depends on the location and extent of plaque, your symptoms, other medical conditions, and how well you respond to medical therapy. In some cases—especially when many vessels are involved—coronary bypass surgery or optimized medication may be preferable.

2. Preparing for Your Stent Procedure

In the days before angioplasty, you’ll undergo blood work, an electrocardiogram (ECG), and perhaps imaging studies to map the coronary arteries. Let your care team know about any allergies, especially to contrast dye, shellfish, or medications. You’ll be asked to stop certain drugs—such as blood thinners or diabetes medicines containing metformin—while continuing others like aspirin as instructed. The night before, avoid eating or drinking after midnight. Pack a list of medications and bring comfortable clothing for discharge. Finally, arrange for a ride home and short-term help with daily tasks, as most patients take it easy for several days.

3. What Happens During Angioplasty and Stent Placement

Most stent procedures are performed in a cardiac catheterization lab under local anesthesia and mild sedation, meaning you’ll remain awake but relaxed. A small incision is made in the wrist (radial approach) or groin (femoral approach), and a catheter is threaded through the artery to the heart. Contrast dye outlines the blockage on X-ray, guiding the cardiologist. A balloon-tipped catheter widens the narrowed segment; then the stent—mounted on another balloon or on a self-expanding platform—locks into place. Drug-eluting stents release medication that helps prevent re-narrowing (restenosis). The entire procedure usually takes 30–90 minutes. When finished, the catheter is removed and a compression device or stitch seals the access site.

4. Immediate Recovery: Hospital Stay and Early Care

You’ll spend several hours in a recovery area where nurses monitor vital signs, the access site, and heart rhythm. Many people go home the same day, although an overnight stay is common after a heart attack or if complications arise. Expect some bruising or soreness at the puncture site; call your doctor if you notice severe pain, swelling, or bleeding. Follow discharge instructions carefully. Drink plenty of fluids to flush out contrast dye, avoid heavy lifting for about a week, and resume driving only when cleared (often after two days). Dual antiplatelet therapy—usually aspirin plus clopidogrel, ticagrelor, or prasugrel—keeps the stent from clotting. Never discontinue these medications without medical advice.

5. Long-Term Outlook: Lifestyle, Medication, and Follow-Up

A stent can dramatically relieve angina and improve exercise tolerance, but it doesn’t stop coronary artery disease from progressing. Commit to heart-healthy habits: adopt a Mediterranean-style diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein; exercise at least 150 minutes a week; maintain a healthy weight; manage stress; and quit smoking. Cardiac rehabilitation programs offer structured support and have been shown to reduce recurrent events. Routine follow-ups include physical exams, lipid panels, and sometimes a stress test to monitor for restenosis. Most drug-eluting stents remain open long-term, with re-narrowing rates under 10%. If new chest pain, shortness of breath, or palpitations develop, seek medical evaluation promptly.

6. Risks, Complications, and When to Call Your Doctor

Modern stents are safe, but every procedure carries risks. Short-term complications include bleeding at the catheter site, allergic reaction to dye, heart rhythm disturbances, and, rarely, heart attack or stroke. Long-term concerns focus on in-stent restenosis and stent thrombosis; the latter is life-threatening and most likely if antiplatelet drugs are stopped too soon. Contact your healthcare team if you experience chest pain, fevers, swelling or redness at the access site, or black/tarry stools (a sign of internal bleeding). Understanding the warning signs and maintaining open communication with your providers are key to maximizing the benefits of your stent and safeguarding your heart health.

References

Further Reading