Q: My uncle is 54 years old. He suffers from a breathing problem after taking a walk for 10 minutes or so. Earlier, he used to go for a walk for about an hour every day. He underwent a health check-up and tread mill test based on which he had been asked to undergo an angiogram test. The test results confirmed that there were 2 blockages in blood vessels. The doctor has requested for angioplasty with stenting. We found on the Internet that there are lots of problems and maintenance required in the diet after stenting. Should we go for angioplasty / stenting?

A:Your uncle is symptomatic (breathless) on medical therapy, diagnosed to have coronary artery stenosis (2 vessels). He needs intervention (balloon & stenting), if feasible (feasibility can be decided only after seeing the angiogram). The patient needs to maintain a healthy lifestyle and be on regular medications. This is irrespective of whether he opts for stenting or not.