To stent or not to stent ?

[bizzy55]

As a result of mild, burning angina symptoms I was scanned. I have one significant blockage in the LAD artery. How significant I just don't know because it was impossible to actually get to talk to a cardiologist. Then I received an appointment to get a stent and I requested that the procedure be postponed until I consult with the cardiologist because I'm completely in the dark.

That was about 2 months ago and I'm still waiting. In all this time since reporting symptoms last year I have never been able to actually talk to a consultant. That's why I have been posting queries here. The health service in my area is collapsing.

So should I just go ahead and get the stent ? I'm on statins, blood pressure tablets and angina tablets and they have helped. I still get a bit of angina on cold days when walking

I have read the reports which suggest they don't make a significant difference compared to medication. What has been the experience of others on this forum with angina ? Did you feel better after being stented?

[annpavitt250448]

I had significant blockage in LAD, agreed to take part in trial as to whether stent or placebo effect was best. After angiography in Sept was taken off all anti Angina meds, but obviously didn't know whether I had had a stent or not. I felt so much better as no angina symptoms when out walking. Before I couldn't get 100 yards up the road without getting chest pains. I was convinced I had had a stent, which turned out to be the case when I had results of trial at the end of march. So in my case I would say a stent has improved my quality of life 100%.

[bizzy55 in reply to annpavitt250448]

Thanks very much !

[bizzy55 in reply to annpavitt250448]

Do you know what the conclusions of the study were ?

[annpavitt250448 in reply to bizzy55]

Not yet, study runs until 2024 when all participants will be given the results.

[Heythrop51]

As a stent opens up a narrowed artery my feeling is that it can only be good but only if you make the lifestyle changes and take the medication. So I would say go for it! I suspect other will disagree and suggest you look at videos from YouTuber quacks!

[bizzy55 in reply to Heythrop51]

That's what my logic tells me but then I read about studies suggesting they make no significant difference.

[Captain_Birdseye]

I think this is the third time you've asked the forum this question, and gotten similar advice/experience that the stent, along with medication and lifestyle changes, is going to be the most beneficial combination to improve your overall quality (not necessarily length) of life.

The study you quoted in one of your previous posts essentially said the same thing... the stents alone don't necessarily reduce the odds of a cardiac event, but they do significantly improve quality of life by reducing the symptoms. The medication and lifestyle changes will reduce the chances of a cardiac event.

I understand the frustration of not being able to speak with a cardiologist, a few of us are going the same issue. There is also the option of calling the BHF helpline to speak to cardiac nurses.

[bizzy55 in reply to Captain_Birdseye]

Thanks CB for your patience with me. Sorry for repeating myself but lack of access to a cardiologist is driving me nuts. I have been humming and hawing over this decision about the stent for ages. It's a big decision for me and it speaks volumes about the state of the NHS that I can't get a few minutes of professional advice.