“How long do the effects of a heart stent last?”

A stent in the coronary artery (which supplies blood to part of the heart muscle) can last a lifetime. There is a 2-3% chance of re-narrowing (called restenosis) within the first 6-9 months. And there is a risk of thrombosis (clotting) which is why your cardiologist will recommend you take two antiplatelet medications for 6-12 months after your stent is placed. In order to reduce the risk of restenosis or worsening of plaque in the remainder of the arteries to the heart, your cardiologist will also recommend several things: 1. lowering your LDL cholesterol to <70, 2. good blood pressure and blood sugar control, 3. exercise, 4. maintaining a healthy weight and 5. abstinence from tobacco.