Angioplasty Recovery Time

Statistical estimates reveal that every 34 seconds one person in America dies from heart disease. A significant part of these deaths can be attributed to coronary artery disease (CAD). Also known as coronary heart disease, CAD is characterized by narrowing or blockage of arteries in the heart owing to accumulation of sticky material referred to as atheromatous plaque. Most common coronary artery disease symptoms include chest pain and heart muscle damage due to inadequate supply of blood. The condition further worsens and eventually results in a fatal heart attack. Angioplasty is one of the most popular methods of coronary artery disease treatment, wherein blood flow is restored by clearing the arteries of the harmful plaque. Before we move on to angioplasty recovery time, let's have a brief look at the angioplasty procedure.

Angioplasty Overview
Angioplasty is a medical procedure of widening the arteries or clearing them of the obstructing plaque material. During an angioplasty, a thin tube is passed through a blood vessel to the spot wherein the artery is affected. The thin tube, known as a catheter, has a balloon at one end, which is inflated once the tube is properly placed at the required spot. As the balloon inflates, it automatically tends to push the plaque towards the walls of the artery, thus widening it and restoring the normal blood flow. In simple words, angioplasty can be defined as a non-surgical treatment procedure utilized to clear the blocked arteries in the heart. Although angioplasty recovery time varies from case to case, mostly the person undergoing angioplasty is discharged from the hospital after a day.

Angioplasty Recovery Period
In maximum cases, the in-hospital recovery time for angioplasty will be one or two days. During this recovery period in the hospital, the condition of the patient will be monitored closely by health care professionals. The patient will be asked to follow certain measures, such as increasing fluid intake and keeping his arms and legs in a straight position, to avoid complications. IV drugs may be continued to ensure that there is no clotting of blood. The person will also notice a bruise at the spot wherein the catheter (the thin flexible tube) was inserted. The area around the bruise will feel sore for a few days. Although this is not quite a serious issue, the person will have to ensure that the part is protected. If any signs of infection are seen, it would be wiser to consult the doctor before any further complications occur. In case of a simple angioplasty, which was undertaken after taking the possible threat of heart attack into consideration, the recovery period would be around a week. The patient would be able to get back to his daily routine after the stipulated recovery time. But if it was executed following a heart attack, the angioplasty surgery recovery period would be extended for some more days, in course of which the patient will have to undergo a specific rehabilitation program recommended by the doctor. When the patient is discharged he will be given a set angioplasty after care tips as a part of angioplasty recovery procedure at home.

The edge angioplasty has on bypass surgery is perhaps the biggest advantage of this method of treating CAD. Angioplasty is not as invasive as bypass surgery and hence angioplasty recovery time is much lesser than bypass surgery recovery time. However, there are some risks opting for an angioplasty which have to be taken into consideration before going for it. These risks include damage to the blood vessel, tear to arteries, restenosis and even resulting death. After going through your medical history, your doctor will be in better position to tell you whether going for an angioplasty would be a healthier option for you or not.