How high is the risk of recurrence stenosis after angioplasty?

The exact risk of restenosis (recurrence of narrowing) after angioplasty may vary depending on individual factors such as the patient's underlying condition, the type of angioplasty performed, and the use of preventive measures. However, here's an overview of the risk of recurrence stenosis:

1. Immediate: Immediately after angioplasty, the risk of restenosis is relatively low, but it can still occur. The immediate risk of restenosis is estimated to be around 5-10% within the first few months.

2. Long-term: The long-term risk of restenosis after angioplasty can vary depending on several factors, including:

- Type of angioplasty: The risk of restenosis may be higher after balloon angioplasty compared to newer techniques such as stent placement.

- Lesion complexity: The risk of restenosis is generally higher in complex lesions, such as those that are long, heavily calcified, or located in certain areas of the artery.

- Patient factors: Certain patient-related factors can also influence the risk of restenosis, such as diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol, and peripheral artery disease.

- Use of drug-eluting stents: The use of drug-eluting stents, which release medications to prevent cell growth and reduce the risk of restenosis, has significantly decreased the long-term risk compared to bare-metal stents.

In general, the long-term risk of restenosis after angioplasty with drug-eluting stents is estimated to be around 5-10% over 5 years, although it can be lower or higher depending on individual circumstances.

It's important to note that these are just general estimates and the actual risk for an individual patient may differ. Proper medical evaluation, including imaging tests and discussions with a cardiologist or vascular specialist, can provide a more personalized assessment of the risk of restenosis and the appropriate treatment strategies to manage it.