Recovering from Angioplasty

Summary

Give your patients the guidelines for short-term recovery after angioplasty and also help them reduce their long-term risks of more complications from heart disease. The program covers recovering at home, returning to a routine, and signs of a blocked artery. This edition includes the drug eluting stent.

Details

Coronary artery disease:

• angioplasty uses a balloon to compress the plaque in your arteries and open blocked areas
• a stent may be used to act as a scaffold and keep the artery open

First few days at home:

• tiredness for a few days is normal
• take it easy
• no lifting, pushing or pulling anything over ten pounds for a week
• no driving for the first two days
• limit trips up and down stairs for a few days

Short term complications:

• catheter insertion site should be checked daily
• call doctor is site is red, swollen, warm to touch or draining; if you have a temperature over 100 degrees; or if you have swelling, numbness or weakness in the leg
• temporary bruising is normal
• small amount of blood at insertion site, let your doctor know
• heavy or forceful bleeding, go to the emergency room

Chest discomfort:

• may mean the artery has become re-blocked
• take nitroglycerine as directed or call for an ambulance

Medication:

• taking aspirin daily is common
• if you have a stent, you may need to take a special blood thinning medication until new tissue grows over the stent
• your other heart medications may be continued, according to your doctor's instructions
• don't double dose to make up for a missed dose
• let your doctor know about all medications you're taking (prescription and over-the-counter)

Personal care guidelines:

• showers are okay, but no baths for first few days
• no lotions or powders on insertion site

Returning to normal activity:

• many patients return to regular activity within a week
• pace yourself
• begin by taking short walks and gradually build up
• exercise indoors on very hot, cold or humid days
• microwaves and metal detectors are okay after a stent
• keep a list of all medications you take with you

Signs of blocked arteries:

• restenosis (re-narrowing of the artery) is possible, or a new blockage may develop
• chest discomfort, shortness of breath and fatigue indicate a narrowing
• if symptoms return, stop what you are doing and rest and let your doctor know

Treatment for restenosis:

• another angioplasty or stent
• coronary artery bypass surgery
• medication