Hi p1954,
Endothelialization of a stent is a natural process that occurs by your body over time. The best thing you can do is take your aspirin and plavix (or alternative). You should never miss a dose and never stop it unless approved by your cardiologist. To my knowledge, there is no specific diet that aids in this.
However, diet, exercise, a positive mindset, keeping your blood pressure/cholesterol under control and getting screened for diabetes can all help in preventing further progression of heart disease. You should also qualify for cardiac rehabilitation. This is a supervised environment with trained specialists who can help you develop a safe exercise routine and give you tips on healthy lifestyle choices.
Hope this helps!
CCFHeartMD20
Hi p1954,
This is actually a very active area of research. We are not sure at this point how to interpret the results of platelet response testing in the general population. That is, for the average person like yourself it is unclear how the data helps us in your management. We are trying to identify those patients who should get this testing, what is a cut-off for higher risk, etc. At this point, the results should be interpreted with caution.
That being said, we are switching to or starting patients on prasugrel (effient) because studies have shown it to improve outcomes compared to plavix. The reason why a lot of physicians do not give it up front is because it is a newer drug and it can be very costly for some people. Certain groups of people are also not eligible for this drug.
Again, stress and anxiety after a heart attack are very common. In and of itself, stress can cause strain on the heart and cause problems. It sounds like your cardiologist is doing an excellent job taking care of you and has made appropriate adjustments. I would focus on all the things we previously talked about and continue with the healthy lifestyle you have adopted.
Hope this helps!
CCFHeartMD20
thank you...
After one week I was switched from plavix to effient when I discovered my genetic makeup made me a very low responder to plavix. On hindsight I wonder why genetic testing wasn't done up front, or at least a test to check response - it was just by happpenstance I looked at the genetic test I had done for different reasons two years ago and it had a drug response section. if not for this I would still be on plavix with a much higher chance of problems.