For years, stents have been considered a go-to solution for blocked arteries and chest pain. The image is comforting: a tiny mesh tube propping open your arteries and protecting your heart. But what if we told you that, in many cases, stents may not actually reduce your risk of a future heart attack?
That’s right. According to recent studies, stents are often overused, and for patients with stable heart disease, they may offer no more benefit than medication and lifestyle changes.
Let’s explore why—and what you should consider before agreeing to a stent procedure.
What Is a Stent, Anyway?
A stent is a small, expandable mesh tube inserted into a coronary artery to keep it open after it’s been widened by a balloon (a procedure called angioplasty). It’s commonly used to restore blood flow during a heart attack.
In emergency cases, stents are lifesaving. But for patients who are not having a heart attack—those with stable angina or no symptoms at all—the picture becomes less clear.
Do Stents Actually Prevent Heart Attacks?
Surprisingly, no.
A landmark clinical trial called ISCHEMIA, published in 2020, followed over 5,000 patients with stable heart disease. It compared invasive procedures like stenting with conservative treatments such as medication and lifestyle changes.
The result? No significant difference in heart attack rates or survival over the next few years.
Dr. Andrew Rudin, a board-certified cardiologist, emphasizes the key takeaway:
“For patients who aren’t having a heart attack, a stent might help with short-term symptoms—but it won’t prevent a future heart attack. That’s a myth we need to correct.”
The Problem with the “Fix-It” Mentality
It’s easy to assume that fixing a blockage with a stent solves the problem. But heart disease doesn’t work that way.
Heart attacks often occur not at the most severe blockages, but at weaker, unstable plaques elsewhere in the arteries—ones that look less threatening but are more prone to rupture.
In other words, stents treat a symptom, not the disease itself.
As Dr. Andrew Rudin explains:
“We have to stop thinking of stents as a cure. They’re a temporary solution that only treats one part of a much bigger issue.”
When Are Stents Actually Necessary?
Stents do have their place. They are crucial in the following situations:
✅ During an acute heart attack, where blood flow must be restored quickly
✅ In cases of severe, unmanageable chest pain that doesn’t respond to medication
✅ When a blockage is in a critical location with a high risk of complete obstruction
But if your doctor recommends a stent and you’re not in immediate danger, it’s important to pause, ask questions, and explore your options.
The Safer (and More Effective) Alternative
If you’re living with stable heart disease, the most powerful tools for protecting your heart might already be in your medicine cabinet and kitchen.
Proven methods to reduce your heart attack risk include:
- Taking prescribed medications (like statins, aspirin, or beta-blockers)
- Eating a heart-healthy diet (rich in fiber, lean protein, and healthy fats)
- Getting regular exercise
- Managing stress
- Quitting smoking
- Controlling blood pressure and cholesterol
According to Dr. Andrew Rudin,
“We underestimate how powerful lifestyle and medical management can be. In many cases, they’re not just as good as stents—they’re better over the long run.”
What Are the Risks of Getting a Stent?
While often considered routine, stent procedures do carry risks, especially when not medically necessary:
⚠️ Bleeding or blood clots
⚠️ Re-narrowing of the artery
⚠️ Reaction to contrast dye or anesthesia
⚠️ A false sense of being ‘cured,’ which may lead to neglecting healthy habits
Dr. Andrew Rudin urges patients to look at the big picture:
“Too many people believe the procedure ‘fixed’ them, and they skip the follow-up care that actually saves lives.”
Questions to Ask Before Getting a Stent
If you’ve been told you might need a stent—and it’s not an emergency—here are a few smart questions to ask your doctor:
- What are the risks of not getting a stent right now?
- Can medication and lifestyle changes control my symptoms?
- Have I tried all non-invasive options?
- How will this procedure help me in the long term?
Taking time to understand your options is not procrastination—it’s empowerment.
The Bottom Line
Stents can save lives—but they’re not always the answer. For many patients, especially those with stable heart disease, starting with medication and healthy lifestyle choices may be the safest and most effective route.
Dr. Andrew Rudin leaves us with this final reminder:
“Think before you stent. Ask questions. Understand the why—not just the how. Informed patients make better decisions—and live longer, healthier lives.”
Know Your Options, Protect Your Heart
Before agreeing to a procedure, make sure it’s truly necessary. Work with a cardiologist who sees you as more than a blocked artery—someone like Dr. Andrew Rudin, who believes in combining evidence-based medicine with patient education and preventive care.
Your heart deserves more than quick fixes. It deserves thoughtful, informed care—and so do you.
Have questions about heart health, stents, or preventive care? Drop them in the comments or speak with your healthcare provider. Knowledge is the first step toward lifelong wellness.