The Effect of Nicotine on Cardiac Stents

A cardiac stent is a method of treatment for stable angina, or a condition where pain is associated with a heart that is pumping harder to keep up with the demands of the body. A stent is a metal coil that is inserted into a blocked artery to improve function.

Constricts Blood Vessels

• Nicotine causes constriction of the blood vessels, which makes it harder for the stent to keep the artery open and functioning.

Stimulates Heart Muscle

• Nicotine is a stimulant, causing the heart to work harder while at rest, which can speed up the heart disease process, clogging the stents and preventing them from being able to function normally.

Clots

• Nicotine use has been shown to increase the risk of blood clots, which may clog the stent, causing heart attack or stroke.

Heart Disease

• There is a direct link between nicotine use and the development of heart disease, which in turn can cause angina. Continuing smoking will increase the speed at which the disease develops, causing premature failure of stents and making future stents necessary.

Lack of Exercise

• Nicotine use will make physical activity uncomfortable for most, preventing an angina patient from getting the necessary exercise he needs to remain as healthy as possible.