How long can you live with a stent in your heart?

As a medical professional with expertise in cardiology, I can provide you with information regarding the longevity of stents in the heart. Stents are small mesh tubes that are used to treat narrowed or weakened arteries due to atherosclerosis. There are two main types of stents: bare metal stents (BMS) and drug-eluting stents (DES). Bare metal stents are made of metal alloys and are permanent implants. Drug-eluting stents are coated with medication that helps prevent the growth of scar tissue and re-narrowing of the artery. The longevity of a stent in the heart can vary depending on several factors, including the type of stent, the patient's overall health, and how well they adhere to post-stent care instructions. Generally, stents are designed to be permanent and remain functional for the lifetime of the patient. However, there can be complications such as re-obstruction or restenosis, which is the re-narrowing of the artery. According to various studies, the risk of re-obstruction is generally about 1 to 2 percent for either type of stent within four to five years after stenting. It's important to note that while drug-eluting stents may have a slightly higher re-obstruction rate, they also tend to have a lower rate of re-intervention compared to bare metal stents. Patients who receive a stent should follow a heart-healthy lifestyle, which includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and medication adherence to minimize the risk of re-obstruction and maintain the stent's longevity.

More than a year after therapy, it may be a bit higher than with bare metal stents. Even though drug eluting stents have a higher re-obstruction rate, most studies go only four to five years after stenting and indicate that the risk of re-obstruction is generally about 1 to 2 percent for either type of stent.