
M. Denton Stam
Cardiothoracic Surgeon
1001 Towson Ave Fort Smith Arkansas, 72901About
M. Denton Stam, MD, MBA, FACS, maintains a position as a Thoracic Surgeon with Sparks Regional Medical Center, located in Fort Smith, Arkansas. As a Thoracic Surgeon, Dr. Stam performs procedures on the heart, lungs, esophagus, and other organs in the chest. In practice for nineteen years, Dr. Stam received his degree from New York Medical College. He also completed post-graduate training at Baylor College of Medicine, and a fellowship with Hahnemann University Hospital. To remain current in his field, Dr. Stam is an active member of American Medical Association, Society of Thoracic Surgeons, International College of Surgeons, and American Chemical Society. He attributes his years of success to unending hard work, a passion for learning, and continued flexibility in his career.
M. Denton Stam's Videos
Education and Training
New York Medical College
Board Certification
American Board of Thoracic Surgery
Provider Details

M. Denton Stam's Expert Contributions
Do heart stents last forever?
They may last from 2-10 years depending on smoking, diabetes control (if you are diabetic), control of cholesterol, and taking Plavix or whatever thinner they prescribe. I have seen some blocks in a year and some out to 18 years, but rarely. READ MORE
Do you have to stay on high blood pressure medication for life?
Yes. Stopping will lead to long-term damage. Good control decreases stroke, heart attack, and vascular disease. Your doctor can monitor your blood pressure and adjust as needed. Due to the hardening of the arteries, blood pressure tends to increase as you get older. READ MORE
Concerned chest pain?
Concerning for a heart issue. Seek medical help. READ MORE
My relative has had a heart attack and lung infection?
He is quite sick with 3 organs in trouble. Chances are difficult, but not impossible. You will have to ask how strong is his heart. Time will tell, but the lungs need time to recover. Good luck and pray. READ MORE
Pounding heart?
Ask your doctor about another type of medicine in the same class. Let them know you stopped your med and why. READ MORE
Should I have a calcium scoring test?
Things can change in 5 years. If you have symptoms, that is reasonable. Ask your cardiologist. READ MORE
How long is the hospital stay after angioplasty?
Usually just overnight. READ MORE
Is coronary angioplasty a major surgery?
No. There is no cutting you open, just a small needle hole. READ MORE
When should I go to the ER for a low heart rate?
If you are dizzy or pass out. READ MORE
How long does heart artery repair surgery take?
About 3-4 hours depending on how many vessels are bypassed. READ MORE
What causes stenosis of coronary artery?
Causes include smoking, bad family history, hypertension, high cholesterol, obesity, sedentary activity and diabetes, plus being male (worse than female). Seek a cardiologist opinion. Depends on location and severity (over 70% might need fixing). Good luck. READ MORE
What medications are used to treat heart palpitations?
Beta blockers - metoprolol, or calcium channel blockers - diltiazem, less likely amiodarone if there are arrhythmias. READ MORE
What anesthetics are used in open heart surgery?
Full general anesthesia. Fentanyl(opiod), inhaled gas (forane) and maybe propafol (think Michael Jackson). READ MORE
Should I have a pacemaker checkup before traveling?
Would not be a bad idea if older than a year or two. READ MORE
Do you need physical therapy after a stroke?
Yes. Recovery is much faster. READ MORE
Which is the most difficult heart valve to replace?
Mitral valve is the toughest to reach, thus the hardest. READ MORE
Can the ER miss a heart attack?
Not really. Troponin level is very sensitive. READ MORE
What anesthesia is used for open heart surgery?
General endotracheal anesthesia. You are completely asleep with a breathing tube in your airway. You wake up hours after surgery. READ MORE
Does having a heart bypass shorten your life?
Most cases, no. It actually prevents further major heart attacks. Your doctor can give you percentages. READ MORE
Can you fly after a heart transplant?
Absolutely READ MORE
Areas of expertise and specialization
Faculty Titles & Positions
- National and International Public Speaking-Teaching, Legislative Workshops -
Awards
- Alpha Omega Alpha-New York Medical College
- Beta Gama Sigma-Shenandoah University
- Cum Laude- Duke University
Professional Memberships
- American Medical Association
- Society of Thoracic Surgeons
- American College of Surgeons
Internships
- Baylor College of Medicine
Fellowships
- Hahnemann University Hospital
Professional Society Memberships
- American Medical Association, Society of Thoracic Surgeons, International College of Surgeons, American Chemical Society
Articles and Publications
- Yes, Articles
What do you attribute your success to?
M.Denton attributes his success to alot of really hard work, a love and passion for learning and flexibility in his career.
Hobbies / Sports
- Golf, Scuba Diving
M. Denton Stam's Practice location
M. Denton Stam's reviews
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Nearby Providers
- Dr. Rowland P Vernon MD7001 Rogers Ave Fort Smith AR 72903
- Dr. David J Miller DO923 Lexington Ave Fort Smith AR 72901
- Dr. James Michael Whiteneck M.D.7001 ROGERS AVE FORT SMITH AR 72903
- Dr. Marc Denton Stam MD600 LEXINGTON AVE FORT SMITH AR 72901
- Dr. Courtnye A Walker MD1500 Dodson Ave Fort Smith AR 72901
Nearest Hospitals
MERCY HOSPITAL FORT SMITHl
7301 ROGERS AVE FORT SMITH AR 72917SPARKS MEDICAL CENTER - VAN BURENl
EAST MAIN AND SOUTH 20TH STREET VAN BUREN AR 72956SEQUOYAH COUNTY-CITY OF SALLISAW HOSPITAL AUTHORITl
213 EAST REDWOOD SALLISAW OK 74955