What are the risks of not stenting a 90 percent heart blockage?"

Question

Hello doctor,

My father was diagnosed with two blockages in his heart. One of them is 100 percent, and another one is 90 percent, and he had a major heart attack. The heart ring was installed immediately, and there was 100 percent blockage. However, the doctor did not place the second ring, which had a 90 percent blockage. He recommended that the patient is not stable for another ring installation at this moment. He asked to put it after one week.

Is this risky for the patient?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through your query and understand your concern.

We typically prioritize placing stents in arteries that are acutely and completely blocked, posing a high risk to the patient. This is exactly what your father's doctor has done to acutely restore blood flow to his heart.

Sometimes, there is a blockage in other vessels. In your father's case, there is a vessel with 90 percent blockage, but that is not as urgent as the completely blocked one. At that time, your father may not have been stable enough to undergo another procedure immediately.

In such cases, doctors weigh the risk-benefit ratio and proceed with the best decision. They have decided to place a second stent later while keeping him on medication to stabilize him. A 90 percent blocked vessel also presents a risk, but not as great a risk as a 100 percent blockage. It should be revascularized or stented as soon as his doctor considers him stable enough for a second procedure.

I hope I have answered your question.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.