There is some interesting data on the use of coronary artery stents out today. When I had a heart attack ten years ago the doctors did angioplasty to remove a blood clot, but did not insert a stent. That may have been because they did not have the coated stents at that time. Today's information is that stents are beneficial for those actually having a heart attack, but do not appear beneficial for those who just have plaque build-up. My doctor says that I didn't have significant plaque build-up, which also is considered in the decision on whether or not to insert a stent. I did have gum disease, which is now thought to be a factor in heart attacks in people who don't have a lot of risk factors like high LDL Cholesterol and high blood pressure.