Can I stop taking medication three years after having a heart stent procedure?

Generally, it is not recommended to stop taking medication three years after undergoing a cardiac stent procedure. The detailed explanation is as follows:

Cardiac stent surgery is an interventional procedure commonly used to treat patients with narrowed or blocked cardiovascular arteries. During the surgery, doctors implant a metal stent into the narrowed or obstructed coronary artery to restore normal blood flow and improve blood supply to the heart muscle. Although stent placement improves arterial narrowing, the risk of restenosis (re-narrowing of the artery) is not completely eliminated. Discontinuing medication may lead to re-accumulation of plaque within the vessel wall, resulting in recurrent narrowing. Continued medication helps reduce the risk of restenosis. Moreover, certain medications—such as aspirin, clopidogrel, and statins—can lower the risk of heart attacks and angina. These drugs help prevent platelet aggregation and lipid deposition, thereby protecting the heart's blood vessels. Additionally, atherosclerosis is a progressive disease. Ongoing medication can further slow its progression and help prevent vascular narrowing and cardiovascular events.

In summary, patients should not discontinue medication three years after receiving a cardiac stent, especially not without medical guidance. Therefore, if a patient wishes to stop taking medication three years post-surgery, it is essential to first consult a physician at a正规 medical institution to obtain appropriate professional advice.