Angioplasty or angiogram is performed using a long, small tube called a catheter to diagnose and sometimes treat disorders of the heart and coronary arteries and arteries of the heart. This procedure can be performed during diagnostic cardiac catheterization when a blockage is found, or scheduled after catheterization confirms coronary artery disease. Having an angioplasty can be scary at times, especially if it turns out that this emergency procedure detects a blockage. However, angioplasty is a routine procedure that is often safe and painless. If your doctor decides that you need to have an angioplasty, it is likely that this procedure is necessary to save your life. After an angioplasty, there are several things you can do to make sure you're recovering well, including rest, taking medication, and treating the wound. Read this article to learn how to recover after an angioplasty.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Recovering in the Hospital
Step 1. Understand the procedure to be followed
During an angioplasty, the doctor injects dye into a catheter that is inserted into one of the arteries leading to the heart, lungs, brain, arms, legs, or kidneys. This procedure helps doctors determine the smooth flow of blood to certain areas and helps detect blockages that can be life-threatening for the patient.
- Doctors can administer local or general anesthesia before performing an angioplasty.
- This procedure usually takes 30 minutes to 2 hours
- You may be allowed to go home immediately after the procedure, as long as no blockage is detected.
- This procedure is safe and usually painless. However, you may experience bruising around the area where the catheter was inserted.
Step 2. Rest after the procedure
After the angioplasty is complete, you may need to stay in the hospital for a few hours, or even stay overnight. While in the hospital, you are required to rest. This is important because moving too much will result in bleeding from where the catheter was inserted. The nurse will monitor blood pressure and vital organ signs during the rest period after undergoing angioplasty.
- Limit movement as much as possible. Lie in bed until you are allowed to get up and walk. Don't go for a walk until your doctor allows you to.
- You will be monitored for 6 hours after the procedure.
- Sometimes, the catheter will be left in place and removed the next day. If the catheter is inside one leg, you will need to increase the height.
Step 3. Take the medicines your doctor prescribes
You may not need medication if no blockage is found. However, if a blockage is found, you may need to take blood-thinning medications for a year after the procedure. Follow the doctor's instructions and take your medicine every day. Do not stop taking the drug before consulting a doctor.
Step 4. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any symptoms of side effects
Angioplasty is usually a safe and minimally complicated procedure. If you experience any side effects after angioplasty, you should tell your doctor or nurse immediately. Some side effects must be treated immediately to prevent a life-threatening situation from occurring. Call your doctor or nurse immediately if you notice:
- Excessive bleeding from the catheter insertion site. Indeed, a little blood will come out after angioplasty. However, if the bleeding doesn't stop even after being covered with a bandage, you should call your doctor.
- Pain, swelling, or redness where the catheter was inserted. You may feel some pain after the angioplasty. However, if the catheter insertion site is very painful or even swollen and/or red, call your doctor.
Step 5. Wait for your angioplasty results
After the angioplasty procedure is complete, the doctor will review the results and share them with you on the same day or at the first follow-up visit. Remain calm and patient while waiting for the results.
Part 2 of 3: Recovering After Coming Home
Step 1. Ask a friend or family member to accompany you in the evening
You are most prone to complications at night after the procedure. If you live with other people, ask them not to go out at night. If you live alone, ask a friend or family member to accompany you for the day.
Step 2. Rest when you get home
After discharge from the hospital, you should continue to rest for a week. If you have heart disease or other serious complications, take longer rest. Take a few days off from work to recuperate after an angioplasty.
- Do not use stairs for the first two days after angioplasty if a catheter is inserted into the groin area.
- Do not do weight lifting or other strenuous activities for at least 24 hours. Ask your doctor when you can return to these activities.
- You may not be allowed to drive for up to a week after the procedure. Professional drivers may need to obtain medical approval before returning to work.
- Do not shower for 24 hours after the procedure.
Step 3. Drink plenty of water
You need to drink plenty of water to get the dye injected into the arteries out. Adults should drink as much as 6-8 glasses a day, depending on body weight and health.
Step 4. Continue to take the medicine prescribed by the doctor
If your doctor prescribes medication to treat a condition detected and/or treated during an angioplasty, it's best to continue taking the medication even after leaving the hospital. Make sure that you understand the dosage instructions given and contact your doctor if you have any concerns or questions regarding your medication. Do not stop taking the drug without consulting your doctor first.
Step 5. Use an ice pack to relieve pain and swelling in the area where the catheter was inserted
You may experience some pain and/or swelling for the first few days after the procedure. Use an ice pack to help relieve both. Wrap the ice pack in a thin towel or plastic bag and apply it to the area where the catheter was inserted. Do not apply the ice pack for more than 20 seconds at a time.
- If the pain and/or swelling gets worse or doesn't improve, call your doctor as soon as possible.
- An ice pack will also help control any bleeding that's still there. However, if the bleeding is severe enough and does not subside, contact your doctor immediately.
Step 6. Try taking a commercial pain reliever
The ice pack is only able to relieve a little pain. If the pain at the catheter insertion area is still unbearable, try taking a commercial pain reliever, such as acetaminophen. Read and follow the dosage guidelines on the packaging and seek recommendations from your doctor.
Step 7. Follow the doctor's guidelines for treating your wound
Make sure you understand and follow your doctor's instructions for treating wounds caused by angioplasty. You may be asked not to shower for 1-2 days after the procedure. Ask your doctor for ways to treat the wound resulting from the procedure.
Step 8. Call your doctor if you are concerned about the wound from an angioplasty
Generally, you need to be alert if the wound starts to bleed, becomes infected, or shows new bruising. Call your doctor immediately if you experience the following symptoms:
- Increased pain or discomfort around the wound.
- Symptoms of infection, such as redness, discharge, or fever.
- Any changes in temperature or color in the leg or arm used for angioplasty.
- Bleeding that continues even after the stab wound is pressed 2-3 fingers for 15 minutes.
- A "golf ball" bulge or bruise in the area of the puncture wound.
- Dizziness, weakness, near fainting, or sweating.
- There is pain in the chest or shortness of breath.
Part 3 of 3: Keeping Healthy After Angioplasty
Step 1. Ask your doctor for recommendations regarding appropriate lifestyle changes
Depending on your reasons for having an angioplasty, certain lifestyle changes may need to be made to improve and maintain your health. Talk to your doctor about any changes that need to be made. Usually, people undergo angioplasty because of coronary artery disease (CAD). If this is the reason you are having the procedure, ask your doctor for recommendations for lifestyle changes. In general, lifestyle changes that need to be made include:
- Quit smoking (for smokers).
- Regular exercise.
- Lose weight (if excess).
- Reduce stress
Step 2. Continue your medication as prescribed by your doctor
Your doctor may prescribe blood-thinning medication or even just a small daily dose of aspirin. Make sure you understand and follow all instructions regarding the medications you are prescribed, and contact your doctor if you have any concerns or questions regarding these medications. Do not stop taking the drug before consulting your doctor first.
Step 3. Consider joining an outpatient cardiac rehabilitation program
This program can help you develop an exercise program, follow a heart-healthy diet, reduce stress, and even help you quit smoking. Your insurance may be able to cover the cost of this program. Ask your doctor for recommendations regarding cardiac rehabilitation programs in your area.
Warning
- If you experience shortness of breath, chest pain, difficulty breathing, lose consciousness, or start vomiting blood, call emergency services immediately.
- Call emergency services immediately if you experience symptoms of a heart attack. Symptoms of a heart attack include chest pain, profuse sweating, shortness of breath, nausea, pain when vomiting (in the jaw, neck, back, shoulders, arms, or upper abdomen), weakness, or a rapid heartbeat. fast/irregular.
