Should I carry a stent card in the UK? 

In the UK, it is highly recommended that you carry a stent card at all times following a coronary angioplasty. A stent card, often provided by the hospital before discharge, contains essential clinical information about the type of stent you have, its location, and the date it was implanted. This small card serves as a vital communication tool between you and healthcare professionals, ensuring that any future medical treatments are performed safely and with full knowledge of your cardiac history. 

In this article, you will learn about the specific safety benefits of carrying a stent card, how it assists in emergency situations, and its role during diagnostic scans like MRIs. We will also discuss what to do if you were not given a card and how this information helps manage your long term heart health within the NHS. 

What We’ll Discuss in This Article 

• The primary purpose of a stent card in UK medical practice. 

• How a stent card ensures safety during emergency medical treatment. 

• The importance of the card for scheduling and performing MRI scans. 

• Information typically recorded on the card by your clinical team. 

• What to do if you have lost your card or were not issued one. 

• How the card assists dentists and surgeons in managing your care. 

• Why keeping a digital copy of your stent details is a helpful backup. 

What is a stent card and why is it used? 

A stent card is a wallet sized document issued by the hospital after you receive a coronary stent. Its main purpose is to provide an immediate record of the medical device currently supporting your heart artery. Because there are different types of stents, such as bare metal or drug eluting models, knowing exactly which one you have is crucial for doctors when they are planning your future care or prescribing medications. 

The card acts as a safety bridge between your cardiologist and other healthcare providers, such as your GP, dentist, or emergency paramedics. In the UK, where patients often move between different specialist services, having this physical record ensures that everyone involved in your care has accurate data. It prevents delays in treatment and reduces the risk of medical errors during clinical assessments. 

• It provides the exact name and model of the stent used. 

• It records the date of your procedure and the hospital where it was performed. 

• It identifies the specific coronary artery that was treated. 

• It often includes a reminder of the blood thinning medications you are taking. 

Safety in emergencies and during medical procedures 

In an emergency situation where you may be unable to speak, a stent card provides paramedics and A&E doctors with critical information about your heart. Knowing that you have a stent and are likely taking potent blood thinners allows them to tailor their treatment safely. For example, it helps them avoid certain medications that might interact with your heart tablets or cause excessive bleeding. 

Beyond emergencies, the card is essential when visiting the dentist or if you require non cardiac surgery. Many procedures involve a risk of bleeding, and your surgeon or dentist will need to know about your stent to decide if you can safely pause your blood thinners. Without the information on the card, these procedures may be delayed while the hospital waits for your cardiac records to be sent from another department. 

• Paramedics can quickly identify your cardiac history. 

• Surgeons use the card to plan the safest way to manage your blood thinners. 

• It helps dentists decide on the best timing for extractions or surgery. 

• It reduces the clinical risk of stent thrombosis during other medical treatments. 

The importance of the stent card for MRI scans 

One of the most significant long term reasons to carry a stent card is for MRI safety. While almost all modern coronary stents used in the UK are MRI safe, the radiology department must verify the exact make and model of your stent before they can perform a scan. An MRI uses powerful magnets, and knowing the material of your stent ensures that the scan can proceed without any risk of the device moving or heating up. 

If you arrive for an MRI without your stent card or a record of your stent type, the radiologist may have to cancel the appointment. It can take time to retrieve these details from hospital archives, so having the card on hand avoids unnecessary delays in your diagnosis. Always inform the imaging team about your stent as soon as you are referred for a scan. 

• Most stents are MRI safe or MRI conditional. 

• Radiologists require the exact stent model for safety verification. 

• Carrying the card prevents the cancellation of important diagnostic scans. 

• It provides peace of mind that your medical device is compatible with modern imaging. 

What should I do if I do not have a stent card? 

If you were not given a stent card when you left the hospital, or if you have lost yours, you should contact the cardiac unit where your procedure was performed. They keep a permanent record of the device used and can usually issue a replacement card or provide you with a written summary of the procedure details. You can also ask your GP, as the hospital should have sent a discharge summary containing these details to your local surgery. 

In the modern NHS, many patients find it helpful to take a clear photograph of their stent card and keep it on their smartphone. This ensures that the information is always available even if you forget your wallet. Some patients also use medical alert jewelry, such as a bracelet, to notify emergency staff that they have a heart stent and are taking blood thinners. 

Causes for needing stent information long term 

The need for your stent details does not end once you have healed. Over many years, a doctor may need to review these details if you develop new heart symptoms. Knowing the size and type of the original stent helps a cardiologist decide how to treat any new blockages. For example, if you require a further angioplasty in the same area, they need to know what is already there to plan the surgery effectively. 

Triggers for needing this information also include moving to a new area or changing your GP. A stent card makes the transition between different NHS trusts much smoother, as your new clinical team will have immediate access to your cardiac history without waiting for old paper files to be transferred. It is a simple tool that supports the continuity of your heart care for the rest of your life. 

Differentiation: Stent card versus medical alert bracelets 

While a stent card is the primary source of detailed clinical data, some patients also choose to wear a medical alert bracelet. It is helpful to understand the difference between the two. A stent card provides specific technical details such as make, model, and size that a radiologist or cardiologist needs. A medical alert bracelet provides a quick summary for first responders, such as Heart Stent or On Blood Thinners. 

Ideally, a patient should use both. The bracelet alerts the emergency team to the situation immediately, while the card provides the deeper clinical evidence needed once you reach the hospital. Together, they offer the highest level of safety and ensure that your treatment is both rapid and accurate. 

Conclusion 

Carrying a stent card in the UK is a simple but vital safety measure. It ensures that emergency responders, radiologists, and other medical professionals have the exact information they need to treat you safely. Whether you are undergoing an MRI scan or visiting the dentist, this card prevents delays and reduces medical risks. If you do not have one, contact your cardiac department to ensure your heart health is always clearly documented. 

If you experience severe, sudden, or worsening symptoms, such as intense chest pain, breathlessness, or fainting, call 999 immediately. 

Authority Snapshot  

This article was written by Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, a UK trained physician with an MBBS and extensive experience in cardiology, internal medicine, and emergency care. Dr. Fernandez has managed patients throughout the entire cardiac procedure journey, emphasizing the importance of clear clinical documentation for long term safety. This guide follows current NHS and NICE standards to provide accurate and safe information for individuals living with heart stents.