Title: What is a Stent and How Does It Help Your Heart?
Understanding Heart Stents
A stent is a small, expandable mesh tube that is placed inside a blocked or narrowed coronary artery to restore normal blood flow to the heart.
According to Dr. Girish Kale, stents are most commonly used during angioplasty, a minimally invasive procedure where a balloon is first used to open the blockage, and then the stent is placed to keep the artery open.
When is a Stent Needed?
A stent may be required in the following conditions:
- Severe blockage in coronary arteries
- Persistent chest pain (angina)
- During or after a heart attack
- Reduced blood flow affecting heart function
If left untreated, these conditions can lead to serious complications, including permanent heart damage.
Benefits of Stent Placement
- Restores proper blood circulation to the heart
- Relieves chest pain and discomfort
- Reduces the risk of heart attack
- Minimally invasive with faster recovery than open-heart surgery
- Allows patients to return to normal life quickly
“Stent placement is a life-saving procedure when done at the right time. With proper care, patients can live a healthy and active life,” says Dr. Kale.