"I've heard that once a heart stent is installed, a person is finished, is it true?" Uncle Lee, a 70-year-old retired teacher, raised the issue at a community health talk with concern in his eyes. His voice, echoing in the quiet conference room, touched the hearts of everyone present. This is not only Uncle Lee's doubt, but also the common confusion of many middle-aged and elderly people who are at risk of heart disease.
Cardiac stent surgery has always been surrounded by various controversies and misunderstandings. Some say it's a lifesaver, while others see it as a means of commercial medical care. These voices make middle-aged and elderly people who are already full of health concerns even more confused.
Cardiac stent surgery: a lifesaver or a source of misunderstanding?
Cardiac stent surgery, medically known as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), is a common treatment for coronary heart disease. This procedure restores blood flow and relieves heart disease symptoms, such as chest pain and difficulty breathing, by placing a small metal mesh tube (called a stent) in a narrowed or blocked coronary artery.
Symptoms for stent surgery
Cardiac stent surgery is mainly used for those who have narrowed or blocked blood vessels due to coronary artery disease. These conditions include unstable angina, acute myocardial infarction, and some types of stable angina. The decision to proceed with stent surgery requires a comprehensive consideration of the patient's overall health, the extent of the lesion, and response to other treatments.
A brief description of the surgical procedure
The surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia. The doctor inserts a thin tube through an artery in the person's thigh or arm that leads it to the coronary artery of the heart. The condition of the coronary arteries is observed with contrast techniques, and the doctor places the stent exactly where the narrowing or blockage is. After the stent is released, the blood vessels dilate and blood flow returns to normal.
Postoperative recovery and management
After surgery, patients need to stay in the hospital for several days for observation and recovery under the guidance of a doctor. After discharge, people usually need to take antiplatelet drugs, such as aspirin, to prevent blood clots from forming. In addition, patients need regular follow-up to monitor heart function and stent status.
Risks and misconceptions of stent surgery
Although cardiac stent surgery is a relatively safe and effective treatment, like all medical procedures, it comes with certain risks, such as bleeding, blood vessel damage, or rare stent embolization. However, these risks are usually manageable compared to the potential benefits of surgery.
Some of the public's misconceptions about stent surgery, such as the belief that "it's all over when you put it on", often stem from an exaggeration of the risks of surgery and a misunderstanding of postoperative quality of life. In fact, the vast majority of patients are able to return to their normal lives and even improve their quality of life after receiving stent therapy.
Heart stents: a savior or a victim of rumors?
Understand the real risks and benefits of stent surgery
Cardiac stent surgery has been labelled as "immoral and harmful" in some misunderstandings. In fact, this perception ignores the true purpose and effect of surgery. Cardiac stent surgery is mainly used to treat severe coronary artery disease, such as coronary heart disease or angina. When the coronary arteries are narrowed or blocked, the stent can restore blood flow and reduce the burden on the heart, thus avoiding the occurrence of myocardial infarction.
It is true that there are certain risks associated with any surgery, including infection, bleeding, or damage to blood vessels. However, these risks are relatively low in cardiac stent surgery and can be effectively controlled with careful preoperative evaluation and postoperative management. It is important to recognize that the risks due to coronary artery disease are often much greater than the risks of surgery when no treatment is performed.
Life and prognosis after the scaffold
The statement that "the quality of life will decrease after the installation of a cardiac stent" is based on a misunderstanding of the hand's life after surgery. In fact, most patients who undergo heart stent surgery are able to return to their normal lives. After surgery, patients can not only reduce the occurrence of angina pectoris, but also significantly improve their quality of life through reasonable medication and lifestyle modifications.
It is important to note that living after surgery does not mean that there is no limit to the possibility of returning to the previous lifestyle. Instead, it requires the patient to make appropriate adjustments in diet, physical activity, and daily life. For example, eating a low-fat, high-fiber diet, getting regular aerobic exercise, and taking medications to control blood pressure and cholesterol levels as prescribed. These changes can help maintain the effectiveness of the stent in the long term and prevent future heart problems.
Cardiac Stent Surgery: Preparation, Conduct, Recovery - Key Steps Explained
Cardiac stent surgery is an important interventional modality, and it is the measures taken by the patient and the medical team before and after the procedure that are critical to ensuring the outcome and subsequent recovery of the procedure. The following provides a thorough guide to preparation and recovery for patients undergoing cardiac stent surgery.
Preparation before surgery
A comprehensive medical examination: including an electrocardiogram, chest X-ray, blood tests, etc., to ensure that the patient is suitable for surgery.
Medication evaluation: Doctors evaluate all medications the person is currently taking, especially anticoagulant medications, and may need to adjust the medication schedule.
Health Consultation: Patients should discuss the risks and benefits of surgery with their doctor to understand the procedure and what to expect.
Dietary adjustments: On the eve of surgery, you may need to adjust your diet on an empty stomach as prescribed.
Precautions during surgery
The procedure is usually performed through arterial puncture, which is performed under local anesthesia.
Patients should remain calm and follow their doctor's instructions during the procedure.
Recovery after surgery
Initial Monitoring: After the procedure, the patient is observed in the intensive care unit to ensure that there are no immediate complications.
Medications: Your doctor will prescribe anticoagulant medications to prevent blood clots.
Lifestyle Modifications:
Diet: Increase high-fiber, low-fat foods and reduce salt and sugar intake.
Exercise: Gradually increase light to moderate exercise under the guidance of a doctor.
Quit smoking and limit alcohol: Smoking and drinking too much alcohol can increase the risk of heart disease.
Regular check-ups: Regular follow-up visits to your doctor for blood tests and heart function assessments.