Angioplasty and heart stents overused by many cardiologists: study

About 15 percent of all cardiac stent implants and angioplasty procedures are probably unnecessary, according to the findings of a new study by U.S. researchers. The findings were published this week in the Journal of the American Heart Association, and come at a time when federal investigators in several states are looking into allegations that some doctors performed unnecessary heart stent implant procedures for financial gain. However, the problems with inappropriate heart stents and angioplasty procedures likely extends beyond just a few rogue doctors. Heart stents and angioplasty are procedures meant to prevent heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems in patients with clogged arteries. The procedures are collectively known as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)