When patients hear they have a blockage in a coronary artery, their first question is often, “Do I need a stent?” It’s an understandable concern. Stenting—formally known as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) —is one of the most commonly performed cardiac procedures. But not everyone fully understands when it’s truly necessary or what risks and lifelong changes it may bring. Let’s explore the facts. What Is a Stent and How Does It Work? A stent is a small mesh tube inserted into a narrowed or blocked coronary artery to help keep it open. The typical procedure involves: A coronary angiogram to locate blockages A balloon catheter to open the narrowed artery Placement of a stent at the blockage site to hold the artery open This is called angioplasty with stenting . The Immediate Benefits of Stenting Stenting can be lifesaving in emergency situations , such as: Ongoing chest pain Acute coronary syndrome Heart attack In such cases, stents quickly res...

Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP) has long been recognized as a non-invasive, non-surgical therapy for relieving angina and improving blood flow to the heart. But new research indicates that EECP may offer far more benefits than previously understood. From supporting kidney function to enhancing blood flow to the brain and limbs, EECP could be a promising supportive treatment for various non-cardiac conditions as well. Let’s explore how EECP works and the broader therapeutic effects it may offer. How EECP Works EECP therapy involves placing pneumatic cuffs around the legs, thighs, and hips. These cuffs inflate and deflate in synchronization with the heartbeat. During diastole (when the heart is resting), the cuffs inflate, pushing blood back toward the heart. During systole (when the heart contracts), the cuffs deflate, reducing the heart's workload. This timed compression: Enhances venous return Increases oxygen delivery to the heart Reduces cardiac ...

  If you’ve ever experienced unexplained dizziness, tiredness, or irregular heartbeats, your doctor may recommend a 24-hour Holter monitor test . While the name might sound technical, the concept is simple. This test helps your cardiologist understand what’s going on with your heart when you're away from the hospital and going about your day. Learning about how this device functions and what it shows you can assist in alleviating your concerns and make you better prepared for the experience. What Is a Holter Monitor? A Holter monitor is a small, portable, wearable machine that records your heart's electrical activity over a period of time—typically 24 to 48 hours. It is different from the usual ECG performed in the clinic that takes only seconds. The Holter monitor keeps recording your heart's rhythm round the clock while you carry out your daily activities. Doctors employ it to identify abnormalities that aren't always visible on short ECGs. These may include o...

Not every positive heart test leads to a heart attack, and not every abnormal test result requires an invasive procedure. Among the most commonly advised cardiac diagnostic tests is the coronary angiogram, used to assess blockages in the heart’s arteries. However, many patients—especially after a positive treadmill test (TMT)—are rushed into angiography without fully understanding whether it’s truly necessary. So when is a coronary angiogram actually required? Understanding how to interpret test results, assess symptoms, and know when this procedure is essential can help guide better heart care decisions. What Is a Coronary Angiogram? A coronary angiogram is an imaging test in which doctors inject a contrast dye and use X-rays to visualize the coronary arteries. This test helps detect narrowing or blockages in the arteries that supply blood to the heart and helps determine if procedures like angioplasty or bypass surgery are needed. The Chain of Heart Tests Before an Angiogram Before c...

                                      When someone is told they have a “block” or a “clot” in their heart, it’s easy to get confused. Are they the same? Do they cause similar damage? Should the treatment be the same for both? Understanding the difference between a coronary artery blockage and a blood clot can help patients receive the right treatment at the right time—and in some cases, it can be the difference between recovery and risk. What Is a Coronary Artery Blockage? A block , or coronary artery blockage, is a gradual process caused by the buildup of plaque —a mix of cholesterol, calcium, and fat—inside the artery walls. This condition, known as atherosclerosis , narrows the arteries and restricts blood flow to the heart. How It Forms: It develops slowly over years. The degree of blockage can range from mild (under 50%) to severe (over 90%). Many people live for years with stable...