When Do You Really Need a Heart Stent?

• Chest Pain (Angina): Persistent chest pain or discomfort that worsens with physical activity.
• Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing even with minimal exertion.
• Irregular Heartbeat: Episodes of rapid or irregular heartbeats.
• Dizziness or Fainting: Unexplained dizziness or loss of consciousness.
• Heart Attack Symptoms: A history of heart attack or high risk of heart disease.
• Abnormal Stress Test Results: If an earlier stress test suggests reduced blood flow to the heart.

2. You Experience Frequent or Worsening Chest Pain (Angina)

Chest pain that occurs:

• During walking or climbing stairs
• With emotional stress
• After meals
• Or even at rest

…can be a sign of reduced blood supply to the heart.
If medications like nitrates or beta-blockers are not improving symptoms, a stent may be required.

3. You Have a Heart Attack (Acute Coronary Syndrome)

One of the most critical times a stent is needed is during a heart attack.
When a coronary artery becomes completely blocked, immediate opening of the artery can save heart muscle and prevent major complications.
Angioplasty with stent placement is the gold standard treatment for heart attacks, and timely action can dramatically improve survival rates.

4. Your Stress Test or ECG Shows Ischemia

If a treadmill test (TMT), stress echo, nuclear scan, or ECG shows signs of reduced blood flow to the heart, your doctor may recommend angiography.
If the angiogram confirms significant blockages, stenting may be required to prevent future heart attacks.

5. You Have Diabetes With Heart Blockage

Diabetic patients face more aggressive and complex heart artery blockages.
Even moderate blockages in diabetic patients may need stenting because the risk of artery narrowing and heart attacks is higher.

6. Lifestyle Changes and Medications Are Not Working

If you still experience chest discomfort or breathlessness despite:

• Taking cholesterol medicines
• Controlling blood pressure
• Maintaining diet and exercise
• Avoiding smoking

…it may be time to consider stent implantation.

7. Blockages Are Found in Critical Areas

Sometimes blockages occur in artery segments that supply a large portion of the heart, such as:

• Left Anterior Descending artery (LAD)
• Left Main Coronary artery
• Proximal segments of major arteries

In such cases, stent placement becomes crucial for long-term heart protection.

How Are Heart Blockages Diagnosed?

Before deciding on stenting, your doctor performs various tests, including:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG) – checks electrical activity of the heart
• Echocardiogram – checks pumping function
• Treadmill Test (TMT) – checks blood flow during exercise
• CT Coronary Angiogram – non-invasive scan to detect blockages
• Coronary Angiogram – gold standard test to confirm heart blockages

Only after evaluating these factors does your cardiologist recommend the appropriate treatment.

What Happens During a Stent Procedure?

Coronary angioplasty with stent placement is minimally invasive and typically involves:

• A small catheter inserted through the wrist or groin
• A balloon inflated at the blockage site to open the artery
• Placement of a stent to keep the artery open
• Removal of the catheter

The procedure takes around 30–60 minutes, and most patients return home within 24–48 hours.

Recovery After Heart Stent Placement

After a successful stent procedure, your heart receives proper blood flow again. Here’s what you can expect:

• Quick recovery
• Relief from chest pain
• Improved energy levels
• Lower risk of future heart attacks

Your doctor will advise:

• Regular medications (blood thinners, cholesterol medicines)
• Follow-up visits
• Lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, stress control)

Are There Alternatives to a Heart Stent?

• Medications: For mild to moderate blockages and symptom control.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Diet, exercise, weight control, quitting smoking.
• Bypass Surgery (CABG) – Recommended when:
  • There are multiple blockages
  • Main artery blockages
  • Weak heart pumping function
  • Diabetic patients with complex disease

Why Choose Dr. Bhishma Chowdary for Heart Stent Treatment in Hyderabad?

When it comes to heart care, choosing the right specialist makes all the difference. Dr. Bhishma Chowdary, a leading cardiologist at AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, brings over 10+ years of experience in performing advanced cardiac procedures, including:

• Coronary Angiogram
• Coronary Angioplasty
• TAVR
• TEVAR
• Pacemaker Implantations
• Advanced Laser Therapies

His patient-first approach, expertise in minimally invasive heart procedures, and access to modern technology make him one of the Best Cardiologist in Hyderabad, for comprehensive cardiac care.

Patients seeking expert guidance, personalized treatment plans, or second opinions have trusted him for accurate diagnosis and world-class treatment. His experience and compassionate care have earned him recognition as the Best Heart Doctor in Hyderabad, especially for those looking for safe and effective stent placement and complex heart interventions.

If you need preventive screening or advanced heart treatment, you can easily book an appointment with Dr. Bhishma Chowdary through his official website.

Final Thoughts

A heart stent is a powerful and effective treatment for restoring blood flow in blocked arteries. But it is not always the first choice. The decision depends on the severity of symptoms, test results, amount of blockage, and your overall heart health.
If you have chest pain, breathlessness, or risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, or family history of heart disease, do not ignore the symptoms. Early consultation can prevent major complications.
For accurate diagnosis and expert treatment, trusting an experienced specialist like Dr. Bhishma Chowdary at AIG Hospitals can make your treatment journey safer and more effective.