Myth: If coronary angiography is done, it usually HAS to be followed by balloon angioplasty with stent implantation.
Fact: No. If the patient’s condition is not acute or unstable, if the narrowing in the coronary artery is not critical or at a critical location, if the inconvenience of coming back again for angioplasty is acceptable and if other options for treatment that need consideration and discussion are present, the angioplasty can be done on a second sitting, after a few days or so without much difference in cost.

Myth: The balloon can burst in the coronary artery
Fact: Though possible, it is an extremely rare occurrence and can be tackled.

Myth: The stent can slip or migrate from its position.
Fact: No, it never happens as it is embedded in the inner wall of the artery at high pressure.

Myth: Angioplasty procedure ‘fails’ after a few years
Fact: The chances of recurrence of narrowing (restenosis) after balloon angioplasty & stent implantation is less than 10% with the use of the new drug-eluting (medicated) stents and if this occurs, it is usually within a year. Beyond this period, the stent remains patent (open) in most cases and doesn’t ‘fail’.

Myth: One should always select drug-eluting (medicated) stents for implantation.
Fact: It is best to leave the choice of stent to the operating cardiologist. The apparent net advantages of a ‘medicated’ stent over a bare metal stent are minimal in certain cases so that a less expensive bare metal stent can be used in those cases.

Myth: One can stop medications after a few days once angioplasty has been done.
Fact: This is dangerous. After stent implantation, if blood thinners like aspirin and clopidogrel are stopped, the stent can get clotted and the resulting blockage can cause an ACUTE HEART ATTACK or DEATH. Hence aspirin, clopidogrel and cholesterol lowering statins should be continued non-stop under doctor’s guidance.

Myth: One has to restrict activities after angioplasty.
Fact: A few days’ rest may be advisable if the angioplasty is done for an acute condition like a heart attack or unstable angina. But eventually, gradually increasing activity under medical guidance is advisable. In fact, the chances of recurrence of disease or narrowing after angioplasty are reduced in people doing regular moderately vigorous exercise besides eating a prudent diet, taking medications properly and regular check ups and consultations.

Pic: leovdworp