What to consider before getting a drug-eluting stent

If you have a history of bleeding problems, a drug-eluting stent may not be a good option for you. After drug-eluting stent placement, you need to take aspirin and a stronger prescription blood thinner such as clopidogrel (Plavix) to prevent blood clotting in the stent. You may need to take a daily aspirin for the rest of your life.

Your doctor will give you additional instructions on what to expect before and after drug-eluting stent placement. Some things to consider are:

• Do you need another type of surgery soon? If you're considering surgery not related to your heart (noncardiac surgery) in the year after receiving your drug-eluting stent, your doctor may recommend postponing it for a year, if possible. If you can't postpone it, a bare-metal stent may be a better option for you. Talk to you doctor about your options.
• Do your medications need to change? Anti-clotting medications and aspirin can affect surgeries, some medical procedures and certain medications. If a noncardiac surgery can't be postponed, talk to your doctor about all the medications you're taking, especially aspirin or prescription blood thinners. Your dosages might need to be adjusted. It also might be possible to stop taking anti-clotting medications six months after stent placement, but this must be discussed with your doctor.