What’s Life after Angioplasty & Stent Placement?
Angioplasty is just the beginning. It is a major event for someone who underwent this procedure. Angioplasty with stenting is a procedure to open narrowed or blocked blood vessels (coronary arteries) that supply blood to the heart. Stents, small tubes that open the artery, are often placed during or right after angioplasty, a procedure performed to allow blood to flow through narrow or blocked blood vessels. The goal of using a stent is to keep the artery open overtime.
But this procedure can’t fight the ongoing buildup of plaque in arteries. For that you will have to take care of yourself and make lifestyle makeover. This is highly required to reduce the risk of another heart attack.
How long does it take to recover after angioplasty/stenting?
Patients who undergo angioplasty with stent placement, will likely stay in the hospital overnight to be monitored. They may be able to return to light, routine activities during the first few days after the procedure. When you leave hospital, you will be given detailed instructions for exercise, medication, diets, wound care and follow-up appointments.
You may even be asked to join the cardiac rehabilitation program. But majorly it is important to choose a healthy lifestyle by your own. Here’re few things that can help you move towards a healthier lifestyle.
Choose healthy and smart diet
When it comes to building up plaque, it is highly important to choose what you eat. Limit transfat, sodium (salt) and added sugars in your diet. American Heart Association recommends cutting saturated fat to no more than 5 to 6 percent of your total calories.
Include fish in your menu
Not all dietary fat is bad for you. Compounds in omega-3 fatty acids—the kind of healthy fat found in fish—may actually improve heart health.
Stay physically active
It is a highly spread myth that once you have angioplasty and stent placement, you should not opt for exercises. But the fact is being physically active helps you manage high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes and obesity – all these conditions make the atherosclerosis worse.
Keep a watch on your weight
If you are overweight, reducing some kgs may improve blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels. You can ask your cardiologist or cardiac rehab team to help you set healthy short-term and long-term weight loss goals.
Quit smoking
If you are a smoker, giving up smoking is one of the best things you can do for your heart and overall health. Smoking can damage your blood vessels and raises your cholesterol and blood pressure.
Keep your feelings tuned
Depression is a common thing among the patient that underwent angioplasty and other heart diseases. Left untreated, depression can make heart problems worse. If you are feeling down or not taking interest in things that you enjoyed once, talk to your doctor immediately.
Have a good sleep
One study showed that angioplasty patients who slept poorly had an increased risk of needing another procedure over the next four years. For sounder snoozing, stick to a regular bedtime every night, and avoid alcohol, caffeine, and big meals in the evening.
Remember, you are not alone in this. Your cardiologist, healthcare team and support network are there for you, to help you recover as best you can – so you can go on to live a healthy, fulfilling and active life for many years to come.
