What to consider before getting a drug-eluting stent

A drug-eluting stent may not be a choice for people with a history of bleeding problems. That's because aspirin and a prescription blood thinner such as clopidogrel (Plavix) must be taken. This is to help stop blood from clotting in the stent. Having a drug-eluting stent might mean taking a daily aspirin for life.

A healthcare professional can give more instructions on what to expect before and after drug-eluting stent placement. Some things to consider are:

• Needing another type of surgery soon. A healthcare professional might recommend waiting to have noncardiac surgery for one year after getting a drug-eluding stent. Noncardiac surgery is any surgery not related to the heart. For those who can't wait to have surgery, a bare-metal stent may be a better choice.
• Needing a change of medications. Blood thinners and aspirin can have an effect on surgeries, some medical procedures and some medicines. If a noncardiac surgery can't be postponed, a healthcare professional might change the dose of anti-clotting medicines and aspirin. It also might be possible to stop taking anti-clotting medicines six months after stent placement, but only with the approval of a care team.