Question:
Should I get a procedure to open the vessels in my heart (PCI) if I have heart disease and feel fine, and am not currently having any symptoms of crushing chest pain, dizziness, difficulty breathing, or passing out?
Answer:
No
MedHead Confidence Score: 9
Amount Saved: $35,000 cardiac angiogram and stent placement
MedHead Message:
This study, along with several others confirm that even if you have a severe blockage in your heart, getting a heart stent v. taking optimal medical therapy leads to no significant difference whether you die or have a heart attack in the future. More and more, it’s all about prevention. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables, exercise, quit smoking, and take your medications. This is the best option for your heart. With an extra $35,000 in your pocket, maybe you can change your grocery budget to include very healthy meals for about ten years. Or you can take an around the world vacation!
References:
1. Boden W. et. al. Optimal Medical Therapy with or without PCI for Stable Coronary Disease. N Engl J Med 2007; 356:1503-1516. 2. Hochman JS, Lamas GA, Buller CE, et al. Coronary intervention for persistent occlusion after myocardial infarction. N Engl J Med 2006;355:2395-2407 3. de Winter RJ, Windhausen F, Cornel JH, et al. Early invasive versus selectively invasive management for acute coronary syndromes. N Engl J Med 2005;353:1095-1104 4. https://health.costhelper.com/stents.html
