Blog article
Heart stents: What they do, how they work, and what to expect
But what exactly are heart stents, when are they used, and what does recovery look like?
In this blog, we explain how stents work, what they’re made of, the risks and recovery process, and why they may not always be the first line of treatment for chest pain.
What is a heart or coronary stent?
A heart stent, also known as a coronary stent, is a small, expandable metal mesh tube that is inserted into the arteries that supply blood to the heart. Its main job is to keep the artery open and maintain healthy blood flow.2
When are stents used?
Stents are most commonly used during or after a heart attack (also known as a myocardial infarction), when blood flow to the heart muscle has been suddenly blocked. They're also often used in people with coronary artery disease to relieve symptoms like chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, or fatigue when these symptoms are caused by reduced blood flow to the heart.2
How are stents inserted? Angioplasty explained
Stents are placed via a minimally invasive procedure called angioplasty. A thin tube (catheter) with a balloon and stent on the end is inserted into an artery, usually in the wrist or groin, and guided to the heart. Once in place, the balloon is inflated, expanding the stent and pushing plaque against the artery walls. The balloon is then removed, leaving the stent in place to hold the artery open.3
What are heart stents made of?
Coronary stents are typically made of a metal mesh, designed to expand and hold the artery open. Some are also coated with a special medication to help prevent the artery from narrowing again. These are known as drug-eluting stents and are the most commonly used type today. Less commonly used are bare metal stents, which do not have a drug coating and carry a higher risk of the artery becoming blocked again.1
In larger arteries like the aorta, fabric-covered stents, or stent grafts, may be used instead.4
How long do heart stents last?
Heart stents are designed to be permanent. Over time, the artery heals around the stent.1 While most people will not need another stent in the same location, there is a small chance the artery can narrow again, especially if other risk factors like smoking, diabetes, or high cholesterol aren't well managed.5
How many stents can you have in the heart?
There’s no strict limit to how many stents a person can have – some people may need three, four, or more, depending on the number and severity of blocked arteries. But like any medical intervention, stents aren’t a cure, and as the number of stents increase, so does your risk of serious complications.6 Managing your heart health through lifestyle changes and regular check-ups is the best way to avoid needing more.
What are the risks of having a heart stent?
While stenting is generally safe3, there are potential risks and complications, including:1
- Blood clots inside the stent
- Bleeding or bruising at the catheter site
- Allergic reaction to the dye or the drug coating (if using a drug-eluting stent)
- Damage to the coronary artery
- Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat)
- Heart attack or stroke (rare)
These risks are higher if you have other health conditions such as diabetes, heart failure, or kidney disease.1
What is recovery like after a stent?
Recovery depends on your overall health and whether the procedure was planned or done in an emergency. Most people go home within 1 to 2 days. You may be prescribed medications like aspirin or blood thinners to prevent clots from forming in the stent. It's also common to be referred to a cardiac rehabilitation program, which offers supervised exercise and support for lifestyle changes.1
How soon can you fly after a heart attack and/or a stent?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to flying after a heart attack or having a stent fitted. Your ability to travel will depend on several factors – including how well you're recovering, the nature of the procedure, and whether there were any complications.
If you have travel planned, it’s important to speak to your doctor first. They’ll be able to assess your condition and confirm when it’s safe for you to fly.7
What lifestyle changes are needed after a stent?
A heart stent is not a cure for heart disease, it's a treatment. To protect your heart long term, you'll need to:8
- Eat well: Focus on a heart-healthy diet with lots of vegetables, fruit, wholegrains, lean protein, and healthy fats.
- Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days.
- Stop smoking: Every cigarette damages your blood vessels and heart.
- Limit alcohol: Drink no more than 10 standard drinks a week.
- Manage stress: Prioritise your mental wellbeing.
- Know your numbers: Get regular checks for blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.
What about stents for chest pain (stable angina)?
Stents can be life-saving during a heart attack, but they’re not always the right option for people with stable angina – a type of chest pain that occurs with exertion and eases with rest. In fact, evidence suggests that stents offer no additional survival benefits over optimal medical therapy for stable angina, with lifestyle changes and medications effectively managing symptoms for most patients without the risks associated with stenting.9,10,11,12
When stents are placed in patients with mild or insignificant blockages, they may face unnecessary risks such as bleeding, heart attack, or stroke.13
Are coronary stents the best choice for stable angina?
How can HBF help?
If you’re living with a heart condition or at risk, we’re here to support you. Eligible HBF members may have access to:
- Hospital cover for heart-related procedures such as bypass surgery or angioplasty and stents
- Extras cover that includes services like dietetics, psychology, and exercise physiology
- Health support programs to help you improve your lifestyle and manage your risk factors
Log in to myHBF or call 133 423 to check your level of cover, or speak to your GP about getting started with a Heart Health Check today.
