Are coronary stents always needed? What the evidence says

Keralam Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan's remarks questioning "unnecessary" angioplasties have drawn objections from medical bodies. During an acute heart attack, prompt angioplasty and stenting restore blood flow and save lives, and stents help selected patients with persistent angina. But a narrowing seen on an angiogram alone does not prove intervention is needed; symptoms and severity must guide decisions.