To Stent or Not? Tips On Preventing Unnecessary Cardiac Work

In this increasingly complex world. Cardiovascular care it can be -- frightening. Situation for the patient who has a procedure that has been recommended to him. Like the case under discussion now... See More

In this increasingly complex world. Cardiovascular care it can be -- frightening. Situation for the patient who has a procedure that has been recommended to him. Like the case under discussion now where perhaps inappropriate -- was performed on coronary arteries of patients. Patients and that scenario want to know who -- go to -- how to best judge where -- the procedure itself or surgery for that matters appropriate. Obviously the Internet now is a huge resource but you have to be careful. Where you -- -- future information. One thing that I always recommend to patients is most patients who are in this type of scenario. Have a longstanding relationship with a primary care doctor or an internist. And that is the first person I would have them discuss. With the advisability of doing the procedure. I do you want to caution people because. The majority of -- that is -- in the United States is done for heart attacks. And those are not at issue here what is at issue in this situation. Our patients who have stable and -- -- Into are being managed is -- patients. They undergo cardiac characterization. And the doctor comes to -- and says that they've -- coronary disease. And may recommend -- a bestseller Q. In that scenario. Some studies suggest that perhaps as many as 50% of the -- that are done in this country may not be appropriate. And I emphasize enemy. So again if it's an emergency. By all means undergo the -- don't delay. If it is not an emergency and is being recommended I advise to patient despite speak to a physician with whom he has a relationship.