A common and controversial topic when discussing heart health is the use of cardiac stents. When the blood supply to the heart is blocked by a myocardial infarction (commonly known as "myocardial infarction"), many people may intuitively think that placing a stent is the only way to solve the problem. But it's not always that simple.
Myocardial infarction is a serious medical condition in which the blood vessels of the heart are blocked by blood clots or plaques, resulting in insufficient blood supply to parts of the heart muscle. In some cases, the placement of a stent can be a real life-saving move, especially during an acute myocardial infarction. However, not all patients with myocardial infarction need this intervention. This choice depends on a variety of factors, including the type of infarction, the patient's general health, and other relevant medical factors.
The role and principle of cardiac stents
Cardiac stents, small tube-like medical devices, are often used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Its role is essentially a "duct unclogner" that plays a vital role in the blood vessels of the heart. When blood vessels in the heart become blocked, as is common in coronary artery disease (CAD), stents act as a bridge to help keep blood vessels open and ensure that blood can flow freely.
Heart stent placement is usually performed through a procedure called percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In this procedure, a thin tube (catheter) is inserted into a blood vessel in the person's thigh or arm and then slowly advanced to the coronary arteries of the heart. Through the catheter, a special dye is injected into a blood vessel to help doctors see blood flow under X-ray imaging. Once the location of the blockage is determined, the doctor inserts a small balloon and stent through the catheter. Upon reaching its destination, the balloon inflates, allowing the stent to unfold and fit against the blood vessel wall. The balloon is then withdrawn, while the stent remains in the body, continuing to support the blood vessels.
There are various types of stents, including drug-eluting stents and bare-metal stents. Drug-eluting stents release drugs and slow the rate of restenosis, which is not available with bare-metal stents. The choice of stent depends on the patient's specific condition and the doctor's professional judgment.
Which people with myocardial infarction need stents
In the case of a myocardial infarction (myocardial infarction), prompt medical intervention is essential. Among them, ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is the most severe form and requires immediate medical intervention. In this case, a part of the heart begins to be damaged due to the disruption of blood flow, which can lead to permanent damage to the heart tissue if left untreated.
In the case of STEMI, PCI is often the treatment of choice because it quickly reopens the blocked blood vessels and restores the blood supply to the heart. The use of a stent is a critical step in this process, helping to maintain the newly opened passage and preventing the blood vessel from occluding again.
However, not all types of myocardial infarction require immediate stent placement. For patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and unstable angina, their treatment options may be more diverse. These conditions often require more diagnostic tests, such as coronary angiography, to determine the best treatment options. In some cases, medication and lifestyle changes may be more appropriate options.
Which people with a myocardial infarction may not need a stent
Although cardiac stents play a key role in the treatment of many people with myocardial infarction, not all people with myocardial infarction need stents. For example, some people may not have a serious blockage in a blood vessel or the blockage may not be in a location suitable for a stent. In these cases, your doctor may recommend other types of treatment, such as medication or coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG).
The decision to place a stent depends not only on the degree of blockage of the blood vessel, but also on the patient's general health, risk of complications, and potential treatment benefits. For example, patients with severe dybodiabetic or elevated systemic arterial blood pressure may need to be more cautious in their treatment choices.
In addition, the placement of the stent is not without risk. Patients may react to stents or medications related to surgery, or develop complications such as re-stenosis. Therefore, when deciding whether or not to place a stent, doctors consider all of these factors, as well as the patient's personal preferences and expectations.
Myths and common misconceptions are refuted
There are some common misconceptions and rumors about heart stents. First of all, the bracket is not a "one-size-fits-all" solution. They are very effective in some cases, but they are not suitable for all people with heart disease. Secondly, the placement of the stent does not always mean that the heart disease can be completely freed. Even after the stent is placed, patients need to follow a healthy lifestyle, including good dietary Xi and regular physical activity.
Another common misconception is that stent surgery is a very risky procedure. While there are risks associated with any medical procedure, modern medicine has made the PCI procedure relatively safe, and most patients can return to their normal lives shortly after the procedure.
Finally, some people mistakenly believe that once a stent is placed, there is no need to care about heart health again. In fact, stents are only part of the treatment. Patients need to continue taking the medications recommended by their doctor and have regular medical check-ups to ensure that their heart is healthy.