stents vs statins

• stents advantages :

  -blocked artery held open

  -will stay in place for a long time

  -blood can flow to heart muscle cells

  -rapid recovery time
• statins advantages :

  -decrease blood cholesterol

  -slows down build up of fatty material in arteries

  -blood can flow to heart muscle cells
• stents disadvantages :

  -risk of infection from procedure

  -risk from surgery (e.g. heart attack)

  -risk of thrombosis or blood clot
• statins disadvantages :

  -drug must be taken regularly

  -drug will need to be taken in the long term; effects take time

  -possible side effects