You and your family or friends can become active partners in your treatment and
recovery by asking questions and learning as much as you can about the treatment
of CAD. Use the questions and answers below as starting points for discussion with
your cardiologist. Make sure to talk to him or her about any other questions or concerns
you may have.
Click on any of the three links below to see the answers to some frequently asked
questions about your stent implantation procedure.
About Your Procedure
About Your Medications
About Your Lifestyle
ABOUT YOUR PROCEDURE
Q. Are stents removable?
A. Stent placement is permanent.
Q. What if I get symptoms again?
A. If your symptoms return, report them immediately to your cardiologist or the center
where your procedure was performed.
Q. Can I get an MRI or other scanner test with a stent?
A. Yes. Safety testing shows that MRI may be performed immediately following stent
implantation, and that MRI testing does not affect the performance of a stent or
the drug in drug-coated stents. You should tell your MRI technician that you have
a stent.
Q. Will I be able to feel my stent?
A. No. There are no nerve endings inside the walls of your arteries, so you will
not be able to feel the stent.
Q. Can the stent move or rust?
A. Once in position, the stent does not move on its own. It is made of a non-rusting
metal.
Q. Can I walk through metal detectors with a stent?
A. Yes. Stents will not set off metal detectors in airports or other locations.
Q. Are there any restrictions on air travel with a stent?
A. Having a stent in place does not prevent air travel. Check with your cardiologist
for any medical conditions that prevent air travel.
ABOUT YOUR MEDICATIONS
Q. Why are anti-clotting medications so important after receiving a stent?
A. Anti-clotting medications, also called blood thinners or anti-platelet therapy,
can reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death by reducing the risk of a
blood clot forming. It is extremely important for you to take these medications
as prescribed, even though you are probably feeling better. Talk to your cardiologist
before you stop taking your medications, even if directed to do so by another physician,
dentist, or pharmacist.
Q. Why are two medications needed?
A. Aspirin and the prescription anti-clotting medications work differently. Together,
they may help prevent your blood from clotting. This helps keep fewer harmful blood
clots from forming and blocking blood vessels. Taking both aspirin and the prescription
anti-clotting medication provides the best protection against blood clots. It is
important to take both medications together to have them work correctly.
Q. What if I forget to take my medications?
A. If you miss a dose of aspirin and PLAVIX® [TICLID®]*, take it as soon as you remember.
Do not double the dose the next day to catch up.
Q. Is it OK to take PLAVIX® or TICLID® with the other medications I’m taking?
A. Make sure your cardiologist or pharmacist knows about all the other medications,
vitamins, and other supplements you are taking, or plan to take.
Q. What if another cardiologist, a dentist, or a pharmacist tells me to stop taking
the anti-clotting medications?
A. DO NOT STOP TAKING YOUR MEDICATIONS. Contact your cardiologist right away.
Q. Can I reduce my dose of PLAVIX® or TICLID®* after a few weeks or months?
A. It’s critical that you take your medications exactly as prescribed. Do not change
your dosage or stop taking your medications unless you are told to do so by your
cardiologist.
Q. Can I stop taking my medications if I start feeling better?
A. No. You must continue to take your medications every day as prescribed, even
after you feel better.
Q. What happens if I stop taking my medications?
A. You increase the risk of a blood clot forming in or near your stent. A blood
clot could cause a heart attack, stroke, or even death.
Q. If I find that I am bleeding a lot when I get a cut or have lots of bruises, should
I quit taking my anti-clotting medications?
A. No. Call your cardiologist before making any changes to
your medications.
Q. These medications are expensive. Is financial help available?
A. You may qualify for financial assistance. Click
here
for information on financial assistance programs that may be able to help you.
ABOUT YOUR LIFESTYLE
Q. How soon can I go back to work?
A. Most patients return to work within a few days following the procedure. Follow
your cardiologist's instructions.
Q. Can I play sports?
A. Yes, but be cautious! Your cardiologist will tell you which sports you can play,
and when you can start.
Q. Will I need to change my diet?
A. Your cardiologist may prescribe a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet to help reduce
the levels of fat in your blood and reduce your risk of further disease complications.
Q. What about exercise?
A. Your cardiologist will tell you what types and how much exercise is right for
you.
Q. When can I safely resume sexual activity?
A. Some cardiologists say if you can climb a flight of stairs comfortably, you can
probably resume sexual activity. It’s a good idea to discuss it with your cardiologist
first.
*PLAVIX® and TICLID® are registered trademarks of sanofi-aventis U.S. L.L.C.