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5 Things to Know About Stents
May 21, 2025
If you or someone you love is facing a stent procedure, it’s natural to feel uncertain or anxious about what’s ahead.
For clarity, we turned to Boskey Patel, DO, an interventional cardiologist with the Hartford HealthCare Heart & Vascular Institute.
Dr. Patel shares when a stent can help, your options and how soon you can get back to living the life you love. Here’s what you need to know.
1. A stent can save your life.
Sometimes, arteries become narrowed or blocked because of plaque buildup – a key factor in coronary artery disease.
Left untreated, it can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes by restricting the blood flow to vital organs, such as the heart, brain or legs.
“Stents are lifesavers,” says Dr. Patel. “These small metal mesh tubes help keep blood vessels open so blood can flow freely, reducing the risk of these serious health events.”
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2. Not all stents are the same – and that’s a good thing.
There’s no one-size-fits-all stent. The type you get depends on where the blockage is and what your body needs.
Dr. Patel breaks it down:
- Coronary stents help keep the heart’s arteries open after clearing a blockage.
- Peripheral stents are used in areas outside the heart – like the legs – to boost blood flow and reduce pain.
- Other types include stents for the neck (carotid arteries) or even the digestive tract – each designed for a specific purpose.
3. Stent placement is a standard procedure.
Getting a stent might sound like a big deal, but it’s actually a routine, non-surgical procedure called angioplasty.
“The stent is loaded onto a tiny balloon, which is carried over a wire (like a railroad track) to the area of narrowing. The balloon is inflated, which also inflates the stent and allows it to ‘stick’ to the walls of the artery and hold it open,” says Dr. Patel. “The balloon is then deflated and removed while the stent remains in place.”
A stent procedure is minimally invasive and usually done under moderate – or conscious – sedation.
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4. Recovery is faster than you might think.
Most people spend just a short time in the hospital after getting a stent, and many start feeling better right away.
“Most patients are surprised by how quickly they bounce back,” says Dr. Patel. “While recovery time varies for any patient, many people return to normal activities within a week – sometimes even sooner.”
5. You can live an active life after a stent.
Getting a stent isn’t just a procedure – it can be a new chapter for your heart health.
To keep your heart strong and your stent working well, your care team may recommend:
- Eating more heart-healthy foods.
- Getting regular aerobic exercise.
- Taking medications exactly as prescribed.
- Managing stress and prioritizing wellness, especially your sleep hygiene.
- Follow up regularly with your doctor.
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“A lot of patients tell me how much better they feel,” says Dr. Patel. “With better blood flow, you have more energy and less discomfort – and you’re back doing what you love. Our goal is always to help you live your best and fullest life with no restrictions.”