Stents: What You Need to Know Right Now

Got a stent on the horizon or just had one placed? A stent can feel scary, but knowing the basics makes decisions easier. This page covers what stents do, the main types, common risks, and simple steps to make recovery smoother.

What is a stent and why you might need one

A stent is a tiny tube that your cardiologist inserts into a narrowed artery to keep it open. Most often this is in the heart (a coronary stent) after a blockage causes chest pain or a heart attack. The procedure is usually done during a catheter-based treatment called PCI (angioplasty). You remain awake but sedated, and recovery is often fast.

Types of stents and how they differ

Bare-metal stents (BMS) are simple metal scaffolds. Drug-eluting stents (DES) slowly release medicine to lower the chance the artery narrows again. Bioresorbable stents are newer and dissolve over time, though they’re used less often. Your doctor picks the right one based on your blockage, bleeding risk, and other health issues.

Which is better? For most people, modern drug-eluting stents are the standard because they cut restenosis rates. But if you have a high bleeding risk or need surgery soon, a different choice may be safer. Ask your cardiologist why they recommend a specific stent.

After the procedure you’ll get medicines to prevent clots from forming inside the stent. That usually means aspirin plus a second antiplatelet (like clopidogrel, ticagrelor, or prasugrel) for a set period. Typical durations: around 6–12 months after a DES for stable patients, shorter if bleeding risk is high, and sometimes just one month for BMS. These choices vary—follow your doctor’s plan.

Recovery is often quicker than people expect. Most patients go home within 24 hours. Keep the arm or groin site clean and dry for a day or so, avoid heavy lifting for a week, and start light walking the same day. You’ll get clear instructions about driving and returning to work. Stick to them.

Watch for red flags: sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, heavy bleeding from the access site, or signs of infection. If any appear, get emergency help right away. Also tell your doctor about unusual bruising or long nosebleeds—those can mean your blood is too thin on the medications.

Costs and insurance vary. Stents and the procedure can be expensive, but many plans cover them. If cost is a worry, ask the hospital’s billing office or your insurance rep for estimates and options.

If you want a second opinion, that’s reasonable—especially before elective procedures. A fresh look can confirm the plan or offer alternatives like medication alone or bypass surgery. Stay involved: ask why a stent will help, what the risks are, and what the recovery looks like for you specifically.

Got specific questions about your stent type or meds? Reach out to your cardiology team—they know your case best and can give tailored advice.