Angioplasty Aftercare Tips

Angioplasty is a medical technique used for the purpose of widening any narrow or obstructed blood vessel. This condition arises due to accumulation of fatty substances like cholesterol on the blood vessels. In this process, a device that looks like a deflated balloon is inserted into the blocked artery of the heart and is inflated so that the blocked artery can be opened up. In most cases of angioplasty, a slender tube called stent, is put inside in order to keep the artery open.

When any foreign material is put in the blood stream, the risk of formation of blood clot is always there. As a scar tissue is formed around the stent, the risk of clotting of blood reduces. Till then, a lot of care needs to be taken. Any clotting of blood in the artery can block the flow of oxygen to the heart, which may in turn lead to a massive heart attack that can even cause death.

Angioplasty Aftercare Tips

The next few weeks after your discharge from the hospital are very crucial for your recovery. As your overall health is weak, your body is more prone to infection. In order to avoid any risk, proper care should be taken. Some important tips on angioplasty aftercare are given below:

Care for the Angioplasty Site: There is an accumulation of blood in the tissue of that region which gives pain when touched. It is called hematoma, which should decrease in size and its soreness should go down in one or two weeks time. You can keep it covered under a band-aid or leave it open. If the bruise or swelling gets aggravated, or any kind of redness or temperature rise is observed on the site, talk to your doctor without any delay.

Daily Routine: Most of the patients who have undergone angioplasty can resume their routine work within three to seven days. However, for those patients who suffered a heart attack or any other type of heart damage, more time is required for recovery. They should take the advise of their doctor before getting back to normal activities. Lifting of heavy objects that are more than five to ten pounds is not allowed. Driving a car is permissible within a week of angioplasty for those who do not have any damage to the heart. Others should check with the doctor when they can resume driving.

Walking Exercise: Walking exercises are very important after angioplasty. Patients should walk at least two or three times every day after they are discharged from the hospital. Care should be taken that they do not overdo it. They should increase the distance slowly day-by-day, but it should depend on how much the heart permits. If symptoms like chest discomfort, excessive shortness of breath or dizziness is noticed during a walking exercise, that means the heart is not ready to take that much of pressure. Stop immediately and take some rest. In case the problem continues, the doctor should be informed about it immediately.

Return to Office Work: This depends on the success of the surgical operation, condition of your heart and the nature of your job. You have to undergo a treadmill test when you visit your doctor for the follow-up to determine the progress of your recovery. Based on the results, your doctor will decide when you can return back to office work.

The integral part of aftercare of any surgical procedure is proper medication and diet. The patient should strictly follow the instructions given by the doctor regarding the dosage, schedule and side effects, if any, of each and every medicine. The diet should be as per the directions given by your diet. Obviously, one has to follow a low cholesterol diet.