A stent is a small, expandable mesh tube inserted into a narrowed or blocked artery, most commonly a coronary artery that supplies blood to the heart. This minimally invasive procedure, known as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), helps restore proper blood flow by pushing the plaque against the artery walls and keeping the vessel open. While the stent placement itself is a relatively quick process, the recovery phase demands careful adherence to medical instructions to ensure the device remains functional and to prevent future cardiac events.
Never Stop Taking Prescribed Medications
The most dangerous avoidance is the premature discontinuation of prescribed antiplatelet medications, often referred to as blood thinners. Immediately following stent placement, patients are typically placed on Dual Antiplatelet Therapy (DAPT), which combines low-dose aspirin with a second, more powerful antiplatelet agent. This second drug is usually a P2Y12 inhibitor, such as clopidogrel, ticagrelor, or prasugrel, and is used to prevent the blood cells called platelets from clumping together.
Stopping this medication combination early can have catastrophic consequences, primarily leading to a condition called stent thrombosis, where a blood clot forms inside the newly placed stent. Stent thrombosis is a medical emergency that carries a high risk of causing a severe or fatal heart attack. For patients with newer-generation, drug-eluting stents, the typical duration for DAPT is at least 6 to 12 months, allowing the stent to heal into the artery lining.
The exact duration of DAPT is determined by your cardiologist based on factors like the type of stent, the reason for the procedure (e.g., stable disease versus acute heart attack), and your individual risk of bleeding. Never interrupt or stop taking the P2Y12 inhibitor or aspirin without explicit instruction from the physician who managed your stent care. If you are scheduled for any other surgery or medical procedure, the cardiologists and surgeons must coordinate carefully to manage the antiplatelet regimen.
Immediate Restrictions on Physical Activity
Immediately following the procedure, certain physical activities must be avoided to allow the catheter insertion site to heal completely. The stent is placed through a catheter inserted into a major artery, usually in the wrist (radial approach) or the groin (femoral approach). Strain on this access point can cause bleeding, bruising, or the formation of a painful lump.
In the first few days to a week, you must avoid heavy lifting, typically defined as anything weighing more than 10 to 15 pounds (about 4.5 to 7 kilograms). Strenuous activities like jogging, pushing, or pulling heavy objects, and intense exercise are also restricted during this acute recovery period. If the entry site was in the groin, you should also avoid excessive bending at the hip and walking up stairs too frequently for the first couple of days.
If the procedure was performed through the wrist, avoid deep bending of the wrist and using that arm to push yourself up from a chair or bed. Driving is usually restricted for a short period, often 24 to 48 hours, because of the sedative used during the procedure and the need to maintain full control without straining the access site.
Long-Term Habits That Must Be Eliminated
Beyond the initial recovery, avoiding certain long-term habits is necessary to maintain the health of the stented artery and prevent blockages elsewhere in the cardiovascular system. Smoking is the most damaging habit that must be eliminated immediately and permanently, as it accelerates atherosclerosis, promotes blood clotting, and severely compromises heart health.
Poor dietary choices also need to be avoided, particularly foods high in saturated fat, processed sugar, and sodium. These dietary components contribute directly to high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and inflammation, which are the primary drivers of artery disease. Adopting a heart-healthy eating pattern, such as the Mediterranean diet, helps manage these risk factors and is a permanent necessity after stent placement.
Moderation is also required for alcohol consumption, as excessive intake can contribute to high blood pressure and other heart issues. Unmanaged chronic stress is another factor to avoid, as it can elevate heart rate and blood pressure, placing unnecessary strain on the heart muscle.
Disclosing Your Stent Status During Medical Procedures
A significant precaution involves informing the healthcare provider about your coronary stent and Dual Antiplatelet Therapy status before any medical procedure. You should carry a card that identifies the type of stent you have and when it was implanted. This information is particularly important when planning any invasive procedure, including dental work.
Elective dental procedures that may cause bleeding, such as tooth extractions or deep cleanings, may need to be postponed for a period after stent placement. This is because the antiplatelet medications increase the risk of bleeding, and the decision to temporarily stop these drugs must be made by your cardiologist.
When undergoing imaging tests, you must also disclose your stent status, particularly before a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan. While nearly all modern coronary stents are considered MRI-safe, or “MR Conditional,” the technician must confirm this and take necessary precautions based on the specific device and the strength of the MRI magnet.