Lifespan of stents?

I had stents following major heart attack end of last year. While in hospital a few patients who had already had stents for a while were either being re-stented or given bypass surgery. I can’t help thinking about this and wondering how long stents can last - I recognise there will be differences between individuals but maybe there’s a general guideline?

Also I’ve been told that all my subsequent issues with MVA /coronary spasms/unstable angina can keep damaging the heart/ arteries - so use GTN spray every time. I’m also on slow release tablets 3 times a day and all the other heart meds.

[SpiritoftheFloyd]

A stent a permanent, stents are covered with a polymer to prevent scar tissue growing and reducing blood flow. This is only likely to happen within the first 6-9 months,

Here's a link to an article by the BHF on stents.

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

[Hidden in reply to SpiritoftheFloyd]

Thank you. Now I know why they kept checking me at first 🤪. They were panicking more than me probably because I developed a blood clot in the LAD stent 4 hours after it was inserted and had to had another angioplasty. Thanks for the link I’m going to look at that now

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

My husband had his drug eluting stent inserted 10 years ago.

No problems since.

Btw,

Some patients do have ongoing angina following stent insertion. Microvascular dysfunction and or vasospastic angina can be the cause.

The only treatment option is by medication and lifestyle modifications.

It takes time and patience to find the best combination of medication to help.

Even after 9 years my Vasospastic angina is still resistant to treatment and I end up in hospital for IV GTN to calm my vasospasms about once a year.

I am on top doses of the relevant medication.

I suggest you ask your Cardiologist to review your medication.

I found attending a Pain Management Programme very helpful. Ask your GP to refer you to a Pain Management Specialist.

Good luck.

[Hidden in reply to Milkfairy]

Thank you so much for response. Great to hear 10 years no problems. 👍. Hope that continues. Yes my. cardiologist did explain that the arteries causing the spasms are too small to stent. Not only that but apparently the arteries involved in the spasm can vary - transient ischaema ?? Or something like that. Med reviews are ongoing and I consider myself very lucky to have had a challenge test done during last angiogram to confirm MVA. Thank you again