Stents: What They Are, How They Work, and What to Expect
If your doctor mentioned a stent, you probably had questions. A stent is a tiny mesh tube doctors place inside narrowed blood vessels to keep them open. Most people get stents in coronary arteries (heart), but stents also help legs, carotid arteries, and other vessels.
There are two main types: bare-metal stents and drug-eluting stents. Bare-metal stents act like scaffolding. Drug-eluting stents slowly release medicine that reduces scar tissue and lowers the chance the artery narrows again. Your cardiologist will pick the right type based on your artery, health history, and risk factors.
How the procedure works
Getting a stent usually happens during angioplasty. You'll get local numbing and light sedation. A cardiologist threads a thin tube (catheter) from your groin or wrist to the blockage, inflates a small balloon to open the artery, then leaves the stent in place. The procedure often takes less than two hours and many people go home the same day or after an overnight stay.
Expect mild soreness at the access site and follow-up instructions about bed rest and wound care. Your care team will watch for bleeding or swelling and give a schedule for activity and driving restrictions.
Medications and recovery
After a stent, you'll most likely need antiplatelet meds like aspirin plus another drug (often clopidogrel, ticagrelor, or prasugrel). These prevent clots forming on the stent while the artery heals. It's crucial to take these exactly as prescribed—stopping early can cause serious problems. Your doctor will tell you how long to stay on dual therapy; it can range from a month to a year or more depending on stent type and your bleeding risk.
Recovery includes gradual return to activity, cardiac rehab for heart stents, and lifestyle changes: quit smoking, control blood pressure, manage cholesterol, eat a balanced diet, and stay active. These steps lower the chance of new blockages and improve long-term outcomes.
Be aware of warning signs: sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, heavy bleeding from the access site, or signs of infection. If any of these happen, call emergency services right away.
Stents don't cure the disease that caused the blockage, but they fix the immediate problem and improve symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath. Many people feel much better quickly and can return to normal life with the right follow-up care.
If you want specific info—types of stents, risks in your case, or how long antiplatelet therapy should last—ask your cardiologist. They'll tailor answers to your medical history and test results.
On Nicerx.com you'll find guides on stent care, medication details, and answers to common questions from people who went through the procedure. Use those resources to prepare for your appointment and to talk confidently with your doctor.
If you have family history of heart disease, bring notes on symptoms, meds, and allergies to appointments. Simple prep helps the team choose the safest plan and reduces delays. Good questions make care better. Ask early.
