Can’t comment on the number of stents – but having been through a lot of research recently, outcomes for people who have stents seem good.  Certainly, they will have significantly extended her life expectancy.  The approach of using stents has a lower mortality than other approaches – especially for the elderly.

Some UK hospitals are world leaders in using stents in situations where the artery is basically completely blocked.  I wouldn’t worry about the number used, it is obviously appropriate for the patient and far better than open heart surgery

Stents and meds are the preferred combination – if it’s “stentable” I.e. they are physically able to get the stent into the blockage – then it’s definitely a better option, regardless of the number needed. Long term viability wise, it would be seriously rare for there to be any issues in her lifetime.

Open bypass surgery provides a similar end result, but is seriously major surgery, with a (relative to other surgery)  high rate of pretty serious combinations, and if it can be avoided is definitely better!

20 years ago, we didn’t have the ability to do stents, so every one got bypass, now almost all get stents, and very few need bypass, and as I understand it morbidity and mortality rates are much, much lower as a result!

Sorry I have nothing to add re the stents but today I asked my gp to measure my blood pressure.  Coincidentally i was researching high blood pressure and heart attacks on the nhs website.  Mine seems ok but there is always room for improvement.  Good luck btw.

Great answers like this is why I love STW forum. 🙂

Guy at my work had 4 inserted after a mini heart attack, was back at work in a couple of weeks, and looks as well as ever.

I’ve been fortunate enough to have one fitted, due to a falling down/MI incident I had during a (running) race over 2 years ago.  Some may say it’s unfortunate, but being dead on a beach and having to undergo CPR followed by defib shock followed by air ambulance, from falling over to having stent fitted was about 3 hours, so I’d say fortunate. Considering there is something like only a 10% chance of survival for anyone suffering a MI outside of hospital, I’d say very fortunate.  It sounds like your MIL got equally good treatment.

Anyway, the stent I had (1 artery 95% blocked – 2 others clear) has not been any problem at all. I’m also on associated meds but it has given me the opportunity to continue with my lifestyle and returning to doing the things I enjoy (running/cycling). I’ve managed a sub 2:45 marathon this year so I have no complaints.

Thanks superficial, I got it the wrong way around! CA – MI.

Those were the figures I was quoted by my cardiologist who fitted my stent, and yes, I did the CPR / defib training a couple of months after my incident.

My running club organised a session for members to do after my incident.

It’s definitely a worthwhile exercise and good to have the knowledge for if you are ever in the position to have to use it.  Someone might be very grateful!!!

Fortunately for me, I was being followed in the race (unbeknownst to me) by a cardiology nurse, who once made aware of the situation was able to take charge and start CPR before the defib arrived!

It was a miraculous set of circumstances, pretty much all in my favour (other than actually falling over in the first place!!!).

My dad had 3 put in a few years ago after a minor heart attack.  He’s 84 now and doesn’t seem any worse for it (the stents, not being 84!)

He had them via the wrist, but as he’s a big wimp he didn’t watch it on the screen.  Kept his eyes closed all the way through 🙂