Angioplasty and Stents for Seniors : Age is Not a Barrier
Heart disease remains a major challenge, particularly for seniors, but thanks to remarkable medical advancements, life-saving cardiac procedures are now safer and more effective than ever. Leading the way in modern cardiology is the combination of Angioplasty and Stent Placement, a minimally invasive approach that is revolutionizing heart health at every age.
We highlight the expert insights of renowned Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Ajit Menon from a recent Gen S Life video, who explains why older age should never be a deterrent to pursuing the best heart care.
🩺 What is Angioplasty? The Key to Restoring Blood Flow
Angioplasty, also known as Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI), is a procedure designed to clear blockages in the heart's arteries (coronary arteries) and restore crucial blood flow to the heart muscle.
Minimally Invasive: Unlike open-heart surgery, Angioplasty is performed using a thin, flexible tube called a catheter.
The Process: The catheter is typically inserted through an artery in the hand or leg and guided to the site of the blockage.
Balloon Dilation: A small balloon at the tip of the catheter is then inflated.This action pushes the plaque (cholesterol and fatty deposits) against the artery wall, effectively widening the vessel and immediately restoring blood supply.
🛡️ The Stent Revolution: Preventing Re-Blockage with DES
While traditional "balloon-only" angioplasty often resulted in the artery narrowing again (restenosis) in a high percentage of patients, modern medicine has introduced a critical advancement: the drug-eluting stent (DES).
Dr. Menon's Key Takeaways on Stents:
| Feature | Description & Benefit |
| Purpose | To act as a permanent scaffold, ensuring the artery stays open after the angioplasty balloon is removed. |
| Drug-Eluting Technology | Modern stents slowly release a specific medication to prevent scar tissue formation (neointimal hyperplasia) inside the stent, which is the primary cause of early re-blockage. |
| Current Practice | Stents are now utilized in over 99% of Angioplasty procedures, dramatically improving long-term success rates. |
| Lifespan | Stents do not have a fixed lifespan; they integrate with the natural tissue of the artery within a few months, becoming a permanent part of the vessel wall. |
Understanding the Risk of Re-Blockage
Despite the high efficacy of drug-eluting stents, Dr. Menon notes that about 6-7% of patients may still experience re-blockage over time, primarily due to new cholesterol buildup (atherosclerosis) either at the edges of the stent or inside the stent itself. This emphasizes the critical need for continued medication, lifestyle changes, and follow-up care.
🧓 Heart Treatment for Seniors: Age Is Just a Number
A core message from Dr. Ajit Menon is that age alone should not be a barrier to receiving this life-saving heart treatment. Because Angioplasty and Stent Placement are minimally invasive and offer quicker recovery times than traditional open-heart surgery, they are often an excellent and much safer option for older adults.
👉 Protect Your Heart Health: Watch the Full Video!
To get the full details on maintaining your cardiovascular health and to hear more essential advice directly from Dr. Ajit Menon, an expert Interventional Cardiologist, be sure to Watch the full video on Gen S Life.
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