Dos and don’ts after angioplasty

Though angioplasty has restored your blood flow, you still need to follow certain guidelines for smooth recovery and complication prevention. Here are some dos and don'ts you should keep in mind after angioplasty:

Dos:

• Follow your doctor's instructions
  One of the primary things you always have to keep first on your priority list after an angioplasty is regular follow-up. Follow your doctor’s advice as a holy book. Take prescribed medicine on time, make necessary lifestyle changes and keep your risk factors in check. And above all, don’t ignore any symptoms and attend your scheduled appointments with the doctor.
• Take it easy
  It takes time to heal. Nothing happens overnight. Everyone is different, so the recovery. The better you care for yourself and follow your doctor’s advice, the better you will see the results. It’s usual that you are getting calls from your work but please understand at this time, your body needs more support from you. You can resume your office or work once you feel better and your doctor allows you to do so. Always listen to your body; do not put pressure on your body by doing strenuous exercise or overexertion.
• Eat a healthy diet
  After an angioplasty, your heart needs special nurturing. You may also be feeling weak. So, it’s good to load up your plate with a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. This will not only support your recovery but also reduce the risk of further heart complications.
• Stay active
  Though bed rest is important post-angioplasty, with time, as you start to feel normal, you should start getting engaged in normal activities. You can go for light exercises such as walking or gentle stretching. Discuss with your healthcare provider when you can start normal activities and light exercises.
• Manage stress
  Stress has become a key contributor to heart problems nowadays. From personal to professional stress, everything piles up on your heart health. Thus, it is of paramount importance to manage your stress. For stress management, you can rely on meditation, deep breathing exercises, support groups and a mental health professional. Spending quality time with your loved ones may also benefit you.

Don'ts:

• Smoke
  Smoking is a major risk factor for heart problems. Thus, it is important to quit smoking after an angioplasty as it can slow down the recovery and worsen heart health.
• Ignore symptoms
  This is not unfamiliar to us. We often tend to ignore systems and believe they will subside on their own with time. That’s where we make the biggest mistake. So, if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness or any other concerning symptoms after angioplasty, contact your healthcare provider right away.
• Skip medications
  As we start to feel normal again and get busy with the routine, we often tend to forget to take our medicines. Sometimes even we skip medicines knowingly thinking that now we don’t need them. However, it is important to take all medications as prescribed by your doctor, even if you are feeling better. Medications play a crucial role in managing heart health and preventing future complications.
• Consume excessive alcohol
  Alcohol is again a risk factor for heart disease. Excessive consumption of it can make your problem worse and may put you in more trouble. So, it is important to limit alcohol intake after angioplasty.
• Neglect follow-up care
  Regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider are important for monitoring your recovery and addressing any potential issues that may arise. Thus, attend all scheduled appointments and communicate any concerns or questions with your doctor.

By following these tips after an angioplasty, you can support your recovery and improve your heart health in the long term. Remember to consult your healthcare provider for personalised advice and recommendations based on your condition.

At Aakash Healthcare, we have a team of cardiac experts who excel in angioplasty and other cardiac procedures. We have a state-of-the-art cath lab, operating rooms and advanced instruments to perform simple to complex surgeries with maximum precision to deliver you the best results. Consult our experts for more information and get answers to your problem.