The human body is such that you can’t always tell if there’s a problem with a stent just by looking at symptoms. Some people might not have any symptoms even when an artery narrows again. That’s why it’s important to know the warning signs and take prescribed medicines regularly.
A coronary stent can save lives, but first it is important to know what a stent is and why it’s needed. A small mesh tube inserted into a narrowed or blocked coronary vessel to keep the vessel open and to restore blood flow to the heart. In general, modern stents are safe and effective, but as with any medical procedure, there are potential side effects.
What can go wrong with a stent?
Two major complications doctors look for are in-stent restenosis and stent thrombosis. In-stent restenosis is when the artery narrows again, typically through tissue or scar tissue growth, within or around the stent. This is a common occurrence in the first couple of months after stenting. With modern drug-eluting stents, this risk is greatly diminished.
Stent thrombosis is the sudden development of a blood clot that completely blocks blood flow inside the stent. It is unusual but can be fatal as it can result in a heart attack. This is why antiplatelet drugs given following stenting are so important.
Chest pain that feels familiar or different
One of the biggest warning signs is the return of chest pain, pressure, heaviness, or tightness, especially if it feels like the symptoms you had before your stent.
If pain occurs when exercising and stops when you rest, it might be due to poor blood supply to the heart. But heart problems don’t always present as severe chest pain. Others may experience pain in their arm, shoulder, jaw, neck or back area.
Any new pain down the chest should not be casually called as gas, acidity, muscle pain, particularly for the patient who has a past history of coronary artery disease.
Breathlessness or unusual tiredness
If someone gets unusually winded when doing something that is easy for them, or if they feel tired or weak and don’t know why, it may mean the heart is not getting enough blood. The symptoms may be associated with in-stent restenosis, but there are numerous other causes of these symptoms.
What matters is whether there is a new or worsening pattern, rather than occasional tiredness after a long day.
Sweating, nausea, or dizziness
Heart problems do not always show up as chest pain. Cold sweating, nausea, light-headedness, or dizziness can occur with reduced blood flow to the heart or during a heart attack. The symptoms are particularly worrisome when they occur with chest discomfort, shortness of breath or arm, jaw, back or neck pain.
A sudden change is a red flag
The most worrisome situation occurs when there are sudden, severe, or persistent symptoms, especially soon after stent placement.
A stent thrombosis can cause sudden severe chest pain and may lead to a heart attack. If chest pain is intense, does not go away, or is accompanied by sweating, shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, or pain spreading to the arm, jaw, neck, or back, treat it as a medical emergency.
Do not wait to see if the symptoms go away, and do not drive yourself to the hospital. Seek emergency medical help right away.
Mild chest discomfort after the procedure
Not every sensation after stenting means something has gone wrong. Some chest tenderness or discomfort can occur after angioplasty and usually resolves within a few days. It’s crucial to differentiate: persistent, severe, recurring, or worsening chest pain needs medical evaluation rather than being casually attributed to the procedure.
Can you check your stent yourself?
Unfortunately, there is no reliable home test to tell you whether a coronary stent is open. If symptoms suggest a problem, a cardiologist may recommend tests based on your situation. These can include an ECG, stress testing, coronary CT angiography, or cardiac catheterization, among others.
Regular follow-up is important
One of the most important things you can do is take your medicines. After coronary stenting, patients are often prescribed antiplatelet medicines to lower the chance of a clot forming inside the stent. Do not stop or change these medicines on your own, even if you feel completely fine. The length and mixture varies depending on the kind of stent, and its use, so adhere to your cardiologist’s advice.
In addition, smoking cessation, a heart-healthy diet, exercise (as recommended by your doctor) and control of blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes can lower the likelihood of further coronary problems.
And perhaps the most important rule is simple: if something feels different from your normal recovery, don’t try to diagnose the stent yourself. Talk to your cardiologist.
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