Blocked arteries are a common condition and a leading cause of death globally and in Jamaica. The condition is treatable, however, and blocked arteries don’t have to mean major surgery anymore. Thanks to advanced technology and skilled cardiology teams, treatments like angioplasty and stenting are restoring blood flow—and saving lives—with minimal downtime. 

A stent is a small, mesh-like tube that’s placed inside a narrowed or blocked artery to help restore proper blood flow to the heart. Think of it like a tiny scaffold or support frame that props the artery open, preventing it from collapsing or becoming clogged again. By reinforcing the artery’s structure, a stent ensures that blood can flow freely to the heart muscle—reducing the risk of a heart attack and improving overall cardiovascular function.

An angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure wherein a catheter is inserted into an artery (usually in the wrist or groin) and guided to a blocked artery on the surface of the heart. A small balloon on the catheter is then inflated to open up the artery. In many cases, a stent will then be placed inside the opened artery to keep it open and ensure the heart receives adequate blood flow. This procedure is done at our world-class Catheterization Laboratory under local anaesthesia.

A stent is often needed when arteries become narrowed or blocked, typically as a result of coronary artery disease, plaque buildup in the arteries of the heart, and often in the early hours after a heart attack. 

Stents can be effective in preventing future heart attacks and improving quality of life. Most patients getting a stent placed go home within 24 hours, a much shorter recovery time than open-heart surgery. Lifestyle changes and medications will still be necessary to maintain heart health.

Our advanced catheterization laboratory features cutting-edge equipment and expert interventional cardiologists, available 24/7 (in the case of emergencies) to deliver fast, compassionate, and personalized care. If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of a blocked artery, don’t wait—Partners Heart & Health is here to provide immediate, expert treatment using the latest in cardiovascular technology.