What Is the Difference Between a Stent and Angioplasty?

Heart disease is becoming more common in India because of changes in lifestyle, stress, poor eating habits, and not getting enough exercise. Angioplasty and stent placement are two of the most common heart-related procedures that cardiologists suggest. A lot of patients think they are the same treatment, but they aren't.

If you want to find the best cardiology hospital in Hisar, knowing how these procedures work can help you make smart choices about your heart health. At Sarvesh Health City, expert cardiologists make sure that every patient gets the right diagnosis and treatment.

This article talks about the differences between angioplasty and a stent, how each one works, when they are needed, and what patients should expect.

What is angioplasty?

Angioplasty, also called Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA), is a minimally invasive procedure that opens blocked or narrowed coronary arteries that carry blood to the heart muscle.

What is the purpose of angioplasty?

Plaque, which is made up of fat, builds up inside the arteries over time, making it harder for blood to flow. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the name for this condition. Less blood flow can lead to:

• Angina, or chest pain

• Breathlessness

• Tiredness

• Heart attack (in very bad cases)

• Angioplasty brings blood flow back to normal and lowers the risk of heart attacks.

How is angioplasty done?

• A thin tube called a catheter is put into an artery in the wrist or groin.

• The catheter is directed toward the blocked coronary artery.

• A small balloon at the end of the catheter is blown up at the blockage site.

• The balloon pushes plaque against the walls of the artery, making it wider.

• When the balloon is let out and taken away, blood flow gets better.

• Angioplasty doesn't leave anything behind in the artery.

What is a stent?

A stent is a small, metal mesh tube that can be expanded and placed inside an artery during or after angioplasty to keep it open for good.

Why do you need a stent?

After balloon angioplasty, sometimes:

• The artery might fall apart.

• The blockage might come back.

• The artery may get smaller again (restenosis).

• A stent keeps the artery from closing by acting as a support structure.

Different Kinds of Stents

At Sarvesh Health City, cardiologists use advanced stents depending on the patient's condition:

BMS (Bare-Metal Stents)

Give basic help, but there is a higher chance that they will narrow again.

Stents that release drugs (DES)

Covered in medicine to stop scar tissue from forming and to stop blockages from happening again.

Stents that can be absorbed by the body

Dissolve slowly over time (in some cases).

Key Difference Between Angioplasty and Stent

Feature	Angioplasty	Stent
Definition	Procedure to open blocked artery	Device placed to keep artery open
Uses balloon	Yes	No
Leaves implant	No	Yes
Prevents re-blockage	Temporary	Long-term
Performed alone	Sometimes	Usually with angioplasty

👉 Important: Angioplasty is the procedure, while a stent is a device often used during angioplasty.

Problems and Risks

Angioplasty and stent placement are usually safe, but there are some risks, such as:

• Bleeding at the catheter site

• Clots in the blood

• Infection

• Damage to the arteries

• Very low chance of having a heart attack or stroke

Choosing a cardiac team with a lot of experience, like Sarvesh Health City, greatly lowers these risks.

Why should you choose Sarvesh Health City as the best cardiology hospital in Hisar?

Sarvesh Health City is a well-known name in Haryana for advanced cardiac care. They offer:

1. Cardiologists with a lot of experience

2. Modern cath lab equipment

3. Newer angioplasty methods

4. Newest drug-eluting stents

5. Cardiac care in case of an emergency 24 hours a day, seven days a week

6. Treatment that focuses on the patient

Sarvesh Health City offers high-quality care with compassion for all your heart needs, from diagnosis to angioplasty to long-term care.

Questions that are asked a lot

Q1. Is angioplasty a big operation?

Ans. No. Angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that doesn't require open-heart surgery.

Q2. Is it possible to do angioplasty without a stent?

Ans. Yes, but most of the time a stent is put in to make sure it works in the long term.

Q3. How long does a stent stay in place?

Ans. Most stents are meant to last a lifetime and are permanent.

Q4. Does putting in a stent hurt?

Ans. No. The procedure is done with local anesthesia, so the patient doesn't feel much pain.

Q5. How long will it take for me to get back to normal after angioplasty?

Ans. Most patients go back to their normal daily activities in one to two weeks.

Q6. Are stents safe for older people?

Ans. Yes. Stents are also safe and useful for older people when they are properly evaluated.

Q7. Can blockages come back after angioplasty?

Ans. Yes, especially if you don't change your habits. Stents lower this risk, but they don't get rid of it completely.

Final Thoughts

Patients can take charge of their heart health by learning the difference between angioplasty and stent placement. Angioplasty opens blocked arteries, but stents keep them open for a long time.

If you or someone you care about has heart-related symptoms, you should see the experts at Sarvesh Health City, the best cardiology hospital in Hisar, for a correct diagnosis and advanced cardiac care.

Early care saves lives—your heart needs to be looked at by a professional.