Heart Stents, Angina, and the Placebo Effect

The video explores the placebo effect, particularly in medical procedures like stent placement for angina. It discusses research showing that stents may not be more effective than placebo in preventing heart attacks or death, despite improving patient-reported outcomes. The video highlights the ethical considerations of using stents, given their cost and potential risks, and questions whether cheaper, safer alternatives should be developed.

What is the main topic of this week's healthcare triage?

• The cost of medical treatments

• The history of angina treatments

• The effectiveness of moisturizer

• The placebo effect in healthcare

What was the common belief about stents before the 2007 study?

• They were ineffective in all cases

• They prevented heart attacks and death

• They were only used for cosmetic purposes

• They were more expensive than other treatments

What did the 2007 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reveal about stents?

• Stents were the only option for treating angina

• Stents had no additional benefit over medical therapy

• Stents were less effective than a placebo

• Stents were more effective than medical therapy alone

What was a major concern about conducting a sham trial for stents?

• It was too expensive to conduct

• It was considered unethical by some physicians

• It was already proven unnecessary

• It required too many participants

What did the recent study find about the effectiveness of stents in relieving pain?

• Stents showed no significant difference from placebo

• Stents were less effective than expected

• Stents were more effective than medication

• Stents were highly effective in pain relief

What is a potential risk associated with stent placement?

• Increased risk of infection

• Major bleeding events

• Permanent disability

• Immediate heart attack

What should patients with stable single vessel disease be informed about regarding stents?

• Stents are the cheapest option available

• Stents work no better than fake procedures

• Stents are the only effective treatment

• Stents guarantee long-term health benefits